San Diego Spousal Support Lawyers
Contents
Understanding Spousal Support in San Diego
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a critical issue in many San Diego divorces. If you’re going through a divorce, you may be wondering how spousal support works and whether you’ll be entitled to receive it – or required to pay it.At Spodek Law Group, our experienced San Diego spousal support attorneys understand the ins-and-outs of California alimony law. We’ve helped countless clients across San Diego County secure fair spousal support orders that protect their financial interests and allow them to maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce.So what exactly is spousal support? In a nutshell, it’s financial assistance that one spouse (the “supporting spouse”) pays to the other spouse (the “supported spouse”) during and/or after a divorce. The purpose is to help the supported spouse cover their living expenses and maintain a lifestyle as close as possible to what the couple enjoyed during the marriage.There are two main types of spousal support in California:
- Temporary spousal support, which is paid while the divorce is pending. The goal is to help the lower-earning spouse make ends meet until the divorce is finalized and a permanent support order can be put in place.
- Permanent spousal support, which is paid after the divorce is finalized, often for a set period of time. In some cases, such as long-term marriages, permanent support may indeed be “permanent” and continue indefinitely until the supported spouse remarries or either party dies.
Of course, every situation is unique, and the specific details of your spousal support arrangement will depend on your individual circumstances. Factors the court considers include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
- The age and health of each spouse
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse’s assets and debts
- Documented history of domestic violence
- Tax consequences of the spousal support payments
Our knowledgeable San Diego alimony lawyers can evaluate your case and give you a realistic assessment of what to expect in terms of spousal support. We’ll fight tenaciously to protect your interests, whether you anticipate receiving support or paying it.Some key things to keep in mind about spousal support in California:
- Spousal support is gender-neutral. Either spouse can request it, regardless of gender. The key factor is the difference in the spouses’ incomes and earning capacities.
- The amount and duration of spousal support can be modified. If circumstances change substantially after the initial order is put in place, either party can request a modification.
- Spousal support generally ends if the supported spouse remarries. The rare exception is if the parties agree in writing that the support will continue.
- Spousal support payments are usually taxable to the recipient and tax-deductible for the payer. This is an important financial planning consideration.
If you have questions about spousal support or any other aspect of California divorce law, give us a call. Our caring San Diego spousal support attorneys are here to provide the answers and advocacy you need during this challenging time. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you.
How Our San Diego Spousal Support Lawyers Can Help
Spousal support is one of the most contentious issues in many California divorces. Emotions run high, and spouses often disagree sharply on what constitutes a fair alimony arrangement.That’s where our battle-tested San Diego spousal support attorneys come in. We act as objective advocates for our clients, helping them cut through the drama and arrive at workable solutions. While we strive to negotiate reasonable spousal support agreements outside of court when possible, we’re fully prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary to protect our clients’ financial futures.Our legal team brings decades of combined family law experience to the table. We’ve handled spousal support cases involving a wide range of circumstances, including:
- High-net-worth divorces
- Divorces involving complex assets like businesses, real estate portfolios, and deferred compensation
- Situations where one spouse is self-employed or earns variable income
- Cases involving a documented history of domestic violence
- Divorces where one spouse has been out of the workforce for an extended period
- “Gray divorces” involving spouses over 50
No matter how complex or acrimonious your situation may be, we have the knowledge and tenacity to help you achieve a favorable outcome. We’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals, then craft a tailored legal strategy designed to secure the spousal support arrangement you need to thrive.Our client-focused service includes:
- In-depth analysis of your financial situation. We’ll work with you to prepare a detailed picture of your income, expenses, assets, and debts. If your spouse is less than forthcoming about their finances, we can deploy legal tools to compel disclosure.
- Collaborative problem-solving. Whenever appropriate, we’ll work to negotiate a spousal support agreement that meets your needs and avoids drawn-out court battles. We’re skilled at helping divorcing spouses find creative solutions.
- Aggressive litigation. If a fair agreement can’t be reached, we’re fully prepared to fight for your rights in court. Our experienced litigators know how to build and present compelling cases for spousal support.
- Ongoing support. Our assistance doesn’t end when your spousal support order is finalized. If you need to seek a post-judgment modification due to changed circumstances, we’ll be there to help you through the process.
Spousal support issues are stressful, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Let our compassionate San Diego alimony lawyers shoulder the burden and fight for the financial resources you need to move forward with confidence. Give us a call today to explore your options during a confidential consultation.
| Length of Marriage | Presumptive Duration of Spousal Support |
|---|---|
| 0 up to 10 years | One-half the length of the marriage |
| 10 up to 20 years | Presumptively “permanent” (judge has discretion) |
| 20+ years | Presumptively “permanent” |
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it – see what our satisfied clients have to say about working with Spodek Law Group’s San Diego spousal support lawyers:
“I cannot write a high enough review for Jeff Mach and his support staff. The knowledge, work ethic, and service of this firm is unmatched in San Diego. I have been to several other firms in San Diego regarding divorce, and found billing to be a huge surprise, harsh, and just unethical. Jeff really works for his clients, and is by far the sharpest attorney who is fair with billing and just a good person to deal with.” – Nar C.
“Mach Law exceeded my expectations and made me feel calm as possible all throughout my custody case. He told me what is to be expected in a manner that didn’t discourage me. That even if nothing is ever guaranteed, he assured me that he will help get things done. His compassion for his clients is over the top which made me respect him even more. Jeff Mach and his team are very reliable.” – Kim P.
“Nancy was referred to me by a friend who had hired Nancy for her divorce years ago. Before going for my consultation, I had consulted with a few other attorneys and never felt the right chemistry with any of them. From the moment I stepped into Nancy’s office I was greeted by friendly staff who immediately made me feel welcomed and at ease. Nancy was warm and inviting and made me feel very comfortable from the start. Throughout the course of my case, Nancy has continued to gain my confidence in her skills and I firmly believe that she cares about me and my needs.” – Sarah
These glowing reviews paint a clear picture: When you hire Spodek Law Group, you get a team of skilled, compassionate advocates who truly care about your well-being.