 Understanding California Spousal Support LawUnlike many other states, California often orders spousal support payments — also known as alimony — with no set end date if a couple was married for over 10 years. For shorter-term marriages, an end date is set. The purpose of spousal support is to maintain the lower-earning spouse at the standard of living he or she had during the marriage. Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation. |
When you get married and have children, expectations are created. When a marriage ends, the law tries to fulfill these expectations as much as possible. I have been helping Santa Rosa and Sonoma County clients with child and spousal support cases for more than 20 years. Contact me to get a skilled, affordable lawyer on your side. I'm happy to provide a free 30-minute consultation for people who are considering hiring a family law attorney.
Determining, Modifying and Enforcing Child Support
In California, child support is calculated using a formula the takes into consideration each parent's income and the percentage of time each parent spends with the child. The courts may not vary from this formula called "guideline child support" except in extraordinary circumstances.
In addition to the basic guideline amount of child support for the basic living expenses of the child, the parents are required to pay a share of the daycare costs, uncovered health care expenses, education costs, and certain other of the child's expenses at the court's discretion. These extra payments are commonly referred to "add-ons."
A common complication is determining each spouse's income. I have the experience to help clients get an accurate, fair determination.
After child support is determined, common issues include modification and enforcement. If your or your ex-spouse's income or time with the children has changed, I can work with you to seek modification of the child support amount. If you are finding that the state's child support enforcement program is too slow and bureaucratic, I can help.
Modification and Termination of Spousal Support
Just as spousal support can be modified if relevant circumstances change, it can also be terminated by the court if the spouse receiving it no longer needs it or the spouse paying it is no longer able to do so. I can help clients with modification or termination of spousal support.
Help from an experienced attorney can be of great advantage in child and spousal support cases. If you are considering hiring a family law attorney, contact me to schedule a free initial consultation so we can discuss how I can assist you.
