Spousal support, also commonly known as alimony, is often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce case. There are many factors that go into calculating these payments, and you may need the help of a Simi Valley spousal support attorney. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, you can count on help from a certified family law specialist. Nobody should have to go through this process alone. Let us get to work on your case today.
What is spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance payments are not something many people like to discuss, but they are an integral part of many divorces. In the aftermath of a separation, one of the parties may find themselves in a financially untenable situation. This is often the case when one spouse was economically dependent on the other during the course of the marriage.
Depending on the facts of the divorce case, the court may order the spouse who is better off to continue to support the other spouse financially. This is called spousal maintenance. The amount of spousal maintenance payments and their length of time varies depending on many factors. The court will consider the following:
- The length of the marriage
- The education level of both spouses
- The financial needs and resources of both parties
- The lifestyle both parties were accustomed to during the course of the marriage
There are various types of spousal maintenance that can be awarded depending on the factors considered by a judge.
Temporary Alimony may be ordered to be paid to one spouse only during the duration of the divorce proceedings. This type of alimony could transition to long-term payments or be discontinued at the culmination of the divorce.
Transitionary Alimony could be ordered to help the spouse of lesser means transition to a self-sustaining lifestyle. This could mean payments for college or vocational courses to prepare the spouse of lesser means for a job. These types of payments are generally ended after a certain period of time.
Permanent Alimony is a long-term form of spousal maintenance and usually happen when the marriages were longer in duration. These payments are typically made monthly over an extended period and often do not end unless the receiving spouse remarries.
Modifications may be necessary
As both former spouses undergo life changes after a divorce, it may be necessary to seek modifications to spousal maintenance amounts. A family law attorney can help with this process as well.
We are ready to get to work today
The outcome of a divorce can affect your life for years down the line, and that is particularly evident when it comes to spousal support payments. Whether you are the one making alimony payments or the one receiving them, your financial stability depends on proper negotiation during the divorce process. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, our family law specialists are going to be by your side throughout this process. Let us get to work negotiating on your behalf today. When you need a Simi Valley spousal support lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling 818-237-4574.