Spousal Support in California

Spousal Support in California

Nowhere is the phrase, “What’s mine is yours,” more applicable than while you are married. Here, anything one partner earns belongs to both, and so (at least legally) it doesn’t matter if one makes more than the other. You are both joint owners of it all.  But what...
Do I Have to Pay Alimony?

Do I Have to Pay Alimony?

If you’re like many people, you’re wondering, “Do I have to pay alimony?” Because California allows one spouse to ask the other for alimony – commonly called spousal support – during a divorce, it’s a fairly common question. So will you have to pay? It depends. ...
Failure to Pay Alimony in California

Failure to Pay Alimony in California

When you divorce your spouse in California, the judge in your case might order one of you to pay the other spousal support. Spousal support – commonly called alimony – is a fixed sum of money that one spouse pays the other so that the recipient can get back on his or...
How to Avoid Paying Alimony

How to Avoid Paying Alimony

Alimony – commonly called spousal support – is part of many divorce cases in California. But how much will it cost you? Can you find out how to avoid paying alimony at all, or at least reduce the amount the court orders you to pay? Here’s what you need to know. How to...
What is the Marital Standard of Living and Why Does It Matter?

What is the Marital Standard of Living and Why Does It Matter?

The Court has a statutory list of 14 factors to consider in making orders for spousal support. Three of those factors directly refer to the marital standard of living. Specifically, the Court needs to consider (1) the earning ability or each party, (2) the ability of...
If I Quit My Job, Do I Still Have to Pay Alimony?

If I Quit My Job, Do I Still Have to Pay Alimony?

No one likes paying alimony to their ex. Sometimes it’s warranted and understandable, but paying support to an ex-spouse is never enjoyable. And sometimes the spousal support payment ordered, especially temporary spousal support, can be very high. I’ve...