Family Law Firm Helps Clients in Disputes Over Alimony in Riverside
California attorney represents divorce clients in spousal support cases
One of the most difficult subjects for divorcing couples is the payment of spousal support. If support is to be paid, the couple or a court will need to decide the amount and duration of alimony. The Law Offices of Julie M. Hill provides divorce and related legal services to Riverside and Inland Empire clients. Ms. Hill, who provides essential legal advice in all family law matters, is well versed in California divorce laws and the laws of spousal support. She is also knowledgeable in division of property and debt under California’s community property laws.
The division of property under California law
California is a community property state, meaning that all marital property and debts are divided equally between spouses in a divorce. Separately owned spousal property is not included. California divorce laws define separate property as:
- All property owned before marriage
- All property acquired after marriage by gift or inheritance
- Rents, issues and profits of above-described property
Attorney Julie Hill strives to get her clients an optimal result during the property and debt division phases of a divorce. Once the divorce is final, the earnings or accumulations of each party are considered separate.
Determining who gets alimony
In many California divorce cases, the spouse who earns more money will be required temporarily to make payments to the spouse who earns less money. This temporary alimony award typically only lasts for the duration of the divorce process, at which time a court decides whether to award permanent alimony.
The length of a spousal support order
Many California divorce cases result in “permanent alimony” awards that aren’t actually permanent. In fact, a general guideline is that spousal support is typically paid for about half as long as the marriage lasted. Spousal support agreements that are entered into by both parties can also specify an end date or conditions that trigger the end of payments. Modifications and terminations of orders are also possible with the help of an experienced family law attorney.
Calculating spousal support awards
California courts use a variety of factors in determining alimony:
- Ability to find self-supporting employment
- Earning capacity of spouse requesting alimony
- Ability of supporting spouse to pay
- Marriage standard of living
- Each spouse’s financial status
- Marriage duration
- Each spouse’s age and health
- Evidence of domestic violence
- Tax consequences to each party
Our legal team works with you to help the court understand your unique situation and come to a fair resolution.
Modifying or terminating a spousal support order or agreement
Permanent alimony is awarded with no way of knowing what the future will bring. When circumstances change, either party may seek to have an alimony award or agreement changed. Typically, the easiest way to do this is to get the parties to reach an agreement on modification or termination. If no agreement can be reached, a judge may modify or terminate alimony. Spousal support also typically terminates upon the death of either spouse. Most awards also end when the receiving spouse remarries.
Contact an attorney knowledgeable in California divorce law
If you are going through a divorce or separation, you will need to address the issues of property division and spousal support. The Law Offices of Julie M. Hill provides valuable legal advice to clients in divorce cases in the Inland Empire area of California. Contact Julie Hill today for a consultation using our online form or by calling 888-860-6519.