Spousal Support Lawyer in Long Beach, CA

Comprehensive Alimony Guidance for Long Beach Residents

Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be a contentious issue in any California divorce. The need for this type of support is often contested between spouses which can lead to litigation. Generally, a request for spousal support from a spouse is based on a disparity in incomes and/or financial resources. For spouses who have forgone advanced education, vocational training, and/or employment to stay at home to raise children, the need can be even greater. However, the needs on both sides must be considered in any spousal support case.

Curtis Family Law represents clients in Long Beach, Mission Viejo, and throughout Southern California in spousal support cases. Whether you are seeking or contesting this support, our firm can help. Backed by four decades of family law experience, Attorney Robert Curtis brings specialized expertise to your situation based on his certification as a Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of California. We also represent clients seeking or contesting modifications or enforcement of standing spousal support court orders. Our firm works with the opposing counsel to seek dispute resolutions outside of court that can save you time, expense, and stress. However, our attorney is an aggressive and skilled trial lawyer should litigation be necessary.

Need Alimony Assistance? Contact Curtis Family Law Today

Types of Spousal Support in Long Beach

Two types of spousal support may be ordered to be paid a spouse in any case. These include temporary support provided while a divorce is pending and a more permanent type of support that will continue once a divorce has been finalized. A court may order either spouse to pay the other based on the individual circumstances of both parties. In cases where the couples have been married for less than 10 years, support generally will last for half the length of the marriage. In cases where the marriage endured longer than 10 years, support may be indefinite or on a permanent basis. In no situation is there a guarantee of support. Courts will determine the issue on a case-by-case basis after carefully evaluating the facts and circumstances of the couple involved.

Spousal support is generally provided to ensure that the receiving spouse is able to maintain the standard of living that was established in the marriage and maintain self-sufficiency. Courts will look at many factors when deciding if support should be awarded and, if so, how much and for how long.

These factors can include:

• The earning capacities of both parties
• Expenses needed for the supported party to obtain education or training that would enable the person to gain employment and become self-supporting
• What each party contributed to the marriage, including domestic and child-rearing duties, and contributions to increase the earning capacity of the other spouse
• How long the marriage endured
• The ability of the paying spouse to provide support
• The financial needs of both parties
• The ages and health of both parties
• Each party’s financial obligations and assets
• Tax consequences and considerations
• Any other factor the court finds relevant

Termination of Alimony in Long Beach

In California, spousal support may be terminated under several circumstances, such as:

1. The death of either party.
2. The recipient remarries or enters into a new domestic partnership.
3. Courts determine that the recipient has cohabitated with another partner in a marriage-like relationship for a significant amount of time.
4. The court orders a termination date when it initially orders spousal support.

California spousal support may also be modified or terminated if there is a significant change in either party's circumstances, such as:

• a job loss
• change in income
• or health issue.

With any questions about alimony in California, contact our Long Beach spousal support attorney or give us a call at (562) 315-7107 today.

Adjusting Spousal Support Orders in Long Beach

You can seek a modification of a standing spousal support court order by petitioning the court. However, you will need to demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances that would justify an adjustment or termination of support.

Such changes can include but are not limited to:

• The supported party has gained employment, obtained a raise in income, or otherwise become financially self-sufficient without the need for further support
• The supporting party has suffered a job loss or other decline in income that makes it impossible to continue the existing payment
• The supported party has remarried or is cohabiting with another in an intimate and financially-shared relationship

Expert Legal Representation for Spousal Support in Long Beach

Spousal support can be a complex issue based on many considerations that must be reviewed by a judge. Our attorney is deeply familiar with California law and procedure regarding this issue and how courts determine it. We can address your questions and concerns in any spousal support matter, whether stemming from a current divorce or in a post-divorce situation. Get the expert legal representation you need and deserve in seeking a favorable outcome.

Get Help Now: Call Curtis Family Law for Your Alimony Needs