California Spousal Support Lawyer Discusses Alimony Guidelines

Just as in child support, alimony in California (or more acurately known as temporary spousal support) is determined by state-mandated calculations. Temporary spousal support is ordered during the pendency of the dissolution proceedings. Permanent spousal support, on the other hand is determined by various factors enumerated in Family Code Section 4320, and the law precludes the court from using support calculators for permanent spousal support. The assistance of an attorney at Miller & Associates is crucial when negotiating permanent or long-term spousal support.� Contact  an attorney at Miller & Associates to discuss how your particular circumstances may be evaluated by a judge with regard to the following factors (paraphrased from family code 4320):

• The earning capacity of each spouse
• The ability of each spouse to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage
• The marketable skills of the supported party
• The effects of time during the marriage that the supported party was unemployed in order to devote time to domestic duties
• Contributions that the supported party made to the attainment of an education, training or a career position by the supporting party
• The supporting party’s ability to pay
• The needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage
• The obligations and assets of each
• The duration of the marriage
• The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without interesting in the interests of dependent children in her or his custody
• The age and health of the parties
• Tax consequences
• Balance of hardships to each party
• The goal of self-support by the supported party within a reasonable period of time
• Any other factors that the court considers important

Each couple has unique circumstances worthy of careful consideration when spousal support (alimony) is in question.

Learn how we will work to protect your interests when we represent you in divorce proceedings. Rarely are there clear or easy answers when it comes to determining whether spousal support is appropriate, and if so, how much and for how long.  Call or e-mail  Miller & Associates if you believe there is a problem with your current support order, and/or if you would like to know if you are entitled to support.

Miller & Associates also offers limited scope attorney representation. Thus, should you only need to hire an attorney to address the sole issue of your spousal support, an attorney at Miller & Associates can help you.