Newport Beach Spousal Support Attorney
A divorce in California is likely to be a multifaceted issue, and the couple divorcing will need to cover multiple issues before they can finalize their divorce. One of the items most likely to generate controversy in divorce proceedings is spousal support. If you suspect this issue will arise in your upcoming divorce, it is important to consult an experienced Newport Beach spousal support lawyer you can trust to represent you in these difficult proceedings.
At Kovach Family Law, we understand that spousal support can be a difficult and emotional issue. Our attorneys can work with you to help ensure that your rights are protected while striving to achieve a fair and equitable outcome. We have extensive experience representing clients in alimony matters and are prepared to provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. We are committed to providing our clients with quality legal services, and our qualified team of family lawyers strives to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome in their spousal support cases.
Ready to Discuss Your Spousal Support? Call (949) 512-7287 or Request Your Consultation Online.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment that one former spouse makes to the other after they have gone through a divorce or legal separation. A divorce lawyer can help you understand fair alimony terms. This money is meant to help the recipient partner maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed while married and is generally paid in regular installments over an agreed-upon amount of time.
The amount and duration of alimony are determined by the court depending on a variety of factors, such as:
Alimony can be temporary or long-term in nature. In some cases, it may even be permanent.
How Does the Court Award Alimony?
In determining alimony payments, the court considers both spouses’ incomes and will typically award an amount that helps the recipient spouse maintain a similar lifestyle to what they had while married. The court may also consider any income either party receives from other sources, such as investments or rental property. The court can also consider non-monetary contributions, such as childcare or housekeeping, that the receiving partner may have provided during the marriage.
The court will also look at other factors when determining alimony, such as any physical or mental disabilities either spouse may have, as well as the age and health of each party. If there is a significant difference in the incomes of both spouses, the judge may award alimony to help even out the difference. In addition, the court may also consider whether one spouse has a greater need for education or job training to become financially independent.
What Happens If Someone Fails to Pay Spousal Support?
Once an alimony amount and duration have been established by the court, it is important that both parties adhere strictly to its terms. Failure to do so can result in serious legal action. It is also important for both parties to keep accurate records of the payments, which should be kept until all alimony obligations have been met.
If one party fails to pay spousal support, they may face legal action. At Kovach Family Law, our Newport Beach spousal support attorneys can help you with the enforcement of court-ordered spousal support payments, requests for modifications, and other alimony-related matters.
Call Kovach Family Law to Speak to Our Experienced Spousal Support Lawyers Today!
Spousal support can help provide financial stability during and after a divorce, but it is not always a requirement when couples part ways. Our qualified Newport Beach, CA lawyers can provide help and advice in understanding alimony and other divorce-related issues.
If you are looking for spousal support legal assistance in California, we encourage you to reach out to our firm today to learn more during a free and confidential consultation. We can meet with you in person at our office or discuss your legal matter over the phone or virtually for your convenience.
FAQs
Yes, it is possible for spousal support to end early in California. Spousal support automatically ends if either spouse dies, and it may also end if the supported spouse begins cohabitating with a new partner or if they remarry. It is also possible to end a spousal support order with the agreement of both parties or through a court order. For example, if you are required to pay spousal support but experience a major change in your income, you can petition to end the order.
A number of possible factors can disqualify you from receiving spousal support in California, including a criminal history that involves any type of domestic violence or spousal abuse, financial ability to support yourself, or a lack of effort to become self-sufficient. The purpose of spousal support is to help the supporting party become self-sufficient. If their income significantly increases, they remarry, or they have the ability to support themselves, this can disqualify them from further support.
You do not have to pay your spouse’s legal fees in a California divorce except under very specific circumstances. Usually, each divorcing spouse will pay for their own attorney. However, if there is a major financial disparity between the spouses, or if one spouse has made the divorce litigation process more difficult intentionally, the court may order one spouse to pay the legal fees of the other.
You should hire a Newport Beach spousal support lawyer because spousal support is likely to be one of the most contentious aspects of your divorce, and you need an experienced legal representative who can help you ensure the fairest possible outcome regardless of whether you expect to pay spousal support or receive it. Your attorney can help you complete the financial disclosure process and argue for the fairest possible terms.
The cost to hire a Newport Beach spousal support lawyer will typically depend on the complexity of your case and how long it takes to resolve. Most family attorneys in California bill their clients by the hour, so the more time they work on a case, the more it costs the client. Always discuss billing policy with a potential attorney so there are no surprises when it comes to the cost of their representation.
Get Help with your Spousal Support Case
The attorneys at Kovach Family Law are ready to assist you with all aspects of a divorce in Newport Beach. We know that spousal support can be a difficult subject, and we will help you approach this aspect of your divorce with confidence. Talk to one of our Newport Beach spousal support attorneys today; call (949) 512-7287 or submit a secure contact form to get started.
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