Post-Judgment Modifications: Can Spousal Support Change?
Spousal support is generally meant to be only temporary with the purpose of helping the supported spouse eventually become self-supporting. It isn’t payment for wrong doings or retribution for anything; it is awarded by the courts solely to ensure the spouse with less financial resources will not suffer greatly as a result of the divorce. It is also awarded in cases where there are minor children still at home. Both…
Read MoreExpectations After Divorce: Why Standard of Living Matters
Spousal support, also called alimony, is not calculated according to a state-standardized formula as child support is. The courts use a variety of different factors to determine a reasonable spousal support award. Temporary spousal support is typically awarded after separation and during the divorce proceedings, but prior to finalization, is based mainly off of financial need. Long-term or permanent spousal support, finalized and enforceable with the divorce, is determined in…
Read MoreCohabitation and Spousal Support: Where Responsibilities Lie
Spousal support represents a spouse’s obligation to provide financial support to a spouse in need after a divorce or separation. However, spousal support is generally not meant to be permanent. Lifetime spousal support may be awarded in certain circumstances, but in most cases, there will be terms with which the spousal support amount is tied to. For marriages less than ten years, support is generally awarded for half the length…
Read MoreWhat Happens When Spousal Support is Not Paid?
Spousal support is an important part of many divorces. When one spouse was not working during the marriage or has a significantly smaller income or earning capacity, spousal support is often needed to help them maintain a similar style of living they grew accustomed to during the marriage. If there are still minor children at home, this is necessary to ensure their lives are not disrupted needlessly by the divorce….
Read MoreEnding Spousal Support
When spousal support is ordered, the order can include a date of termination of the support. This is the date the support order will no longer be valid. Generally, after this point, spousal support cannot be started again, save for very rare occasions when a significant change in circumstances presents itself. For marriages less than 10 years, spousal support is commonly awarded for half the length of the marriage. For…
Read MoreHow is Spousal Support Taxed?
With divorce comes many changes to your finances. Your taxes will be no exception. There are numerous tax regulations you should be aware of when getting a divorce. Your finances after divorce will reflect any support orders or property settlements in effect. Child support is not considered income for tax purposes and thus is not taxed to the payee nor is it deductible to the payor. On the other hand, spousal…
Read MoreWill a Significant Raise or Promotion Change My Spousal Support?
In your divorce, spousal support may be ordered if one spouse needs financial assistance to become self-supporting. During the divorce process, the court may order temporary spousal support. The court will determine the amount of temporary support using a standard calculation. This calculation takes into consideration the financial needs of the spouse requesting support. The final support award, however, will be based on a number of factors under California Family…
Read MoreWhat is Temporary Spousal Support?
Spousal support is intended to be temporary financial support paid to one spouse by another during or after a divorce. These funds are meant to help the receiving spouse become self-supporting. Spousal support can be ordered temporarily during a domestic violence case or during the divorce process, after the couple stops living together but prior to the finalization of the divorce. This spousal support, called temporary spousal support, may be…
Read More