Campbell Alimony Lawyers

Helping Clients Understand Spousal Support

As you navigate the divorce process in Campbell, you might have questions about common family law issues, including alimony. Also known as spousal support, alimony refers to regular payments that one spouse sends the other after divorce. Not all divorces involve spousal support, as it’s generally only a factor when one spouse makes substantially more money than the other. Spousal support ensures that the spouse who makes less money can pay their bills and afford to maintain their lifestyle even after the marriage ends.

As such, not every divorce involves this family law issue. If you and your spouse make about the same income, a judge might not order either of you to pay alimony. If you’re interested in learning whether you’re likely to be awarded spousal support or have to pay it, you should talk to Campbell alimony attorneys about your divorce.

What’s the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Spousal Support?

During a divorce, a judge can order temporary or permanent spousal support. Temporary spousal support is usually put into place immediately to ensure that the spouse who makes less money can keep paying their bills during the divorce process. The temporary financial support that one spouse is ordered to pay usually depends on a formula that considers each spouse’s income.

Once the divorce is final, the courts might order one spouse to pay permanent spousal maintenance to the other. The amount will be determined by multiple factors, not just income. In addition, permanent support does not mean the payments will continue forever. Instead, if the length of the marriage was ten years or less, payments would likely continue for about half of that time. So, if you were married for six years, alimony could last for three years.

If you were married for more than ten years, there is no set amount of time for alimony to continue. In most cases, it will end once the recipient becomes self-supporting and no longer needs the payments. Experienced family law attorneys can tell you whether you’re likely to pay or receive spousal support, so contact Hepner & Pagan, LLP to learn more.

How Is Alimony Calculated?

California courts consider many factors when determining who must pay alimony and how much they should pay. This is why it’s so important to get legal representation from a skilled family law attorney before alimony is calculated. Some of the most common factors that affect spousal support include:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
• The standard of living the couple had while married
• The age and health of both spouses
• The assets and debts of both spouses
• Whether one spouse sacrificed their career or education for the other spouse’s career while married
• One spouse’s ability to pay
• Possible tax consequences for both spouses
• Any evidence of domestic violence during the relationship

If you believe any of these factors could affect whether you pay or receive spousal support, it’s important to talk to family law attorneys for legal guidance. Contact our Campbell law offices today to schedule an initial consultation with experienced alimony attorneys.

What Happens If You’re Ordered to Pay Alimony?

If the court determines that you should support your former spouse financially, you’ll be expected to adhere to the order. However, sometimes circumstances change, and the person paying spousal support can no longer afford their payments. If this is the case for you, you should get legal representation so you have help proving that a significant life change prevents you from continuing to pay.

For example, if you lost your job or your income is much lower than when the support was ordered, you can request to reduce or terminate the payments altogether. This is especially the case if you can show that the receiving spouse has since remarried or can support themselves now. Contact skilled Campbell divorce lawyers to find out what your legal options are when it comes to modifying or ending spousal support.

How Can Alimony Attorneys in Campbell Help You?

At Hepner & Pagan, LLP, we have spent years helping clients through the divorce process. We understand how confusing it can be to navigate topics like property division, child support, and spousal support. We will take on your case while keeping your best interests in mind from start to finish.

If you’re ready to get answers as you work toward legally ending your marriage in Santa Clara County, call our law firm today at 408-688-9153. We look forward to advising you during your initial consultation with our caring divorce lawyers.