There are two main categories of spousal support: temporary and long-term:

• Temporary spousal support: This form of financial support can be granted during the duration of the divorce. The intended purpose of temporary spousal support is to help the less financially endowed spouse afford the various costs of living while they await a final decision from the court regarding long-term support.
• Long-term spousal support: Long-term support is assigned when the divorce and all of the related details have been finalized. It is important to be aware that long-term spousal support does not necessarily mean permanent spousal support. Changing circumstances can lead to the courts needing to reevaluate the amount, duration, and necessity of spousal support moving forward.

Your Riverside spousal support lawyer can help you better determine potential timelines, as well as how much spousal support you may receive at the start. The amount of long-term spousal support an individual will receive varies case by case, but there are some consistent factors to which the court pays attention.

How Do California Courts Decide How Much Spousal Support I Can Get?

As previously stated, there is no set amount of spousal support an individual will get, but there are several things the court always looks at to help determine whether or not spousal support is appropriate and how much an individual may need to cover basic needs. California’s Family Code 4320 dictates that the courts must look into the following:

• How long you have been married
• What financial contributions have you and your spouse made to your marriage
• How will marital property division be done between you and your spouse
• How big of an income disparity there is between you and your spouse
• How old and healthy both of you are
• How employable both you and your spouse are based on ability, experience, and skill
• How much child support is being paid, who’s responsible for the child support payments (if applicable)
• What kind of standard of living was established during the marriage
• What non-economic contributions did both spouses bring to the marriage

To get a better idea of how much support you may get, use the California Courts Self-Help Calculator.

FAQs

Q: What Disqualifies You From Spousal Support in Riverside, California?

A: In Riverside, California, there are several different reasons a spouse may be disqualified from receiving spousal support. For example, you may be disqualified if you are convicted of domestic abuse, you are able to support yourself financially, or the spouse supplying the spousal support has too many financial obligations to continue supporting their former spouse financially.

Q: How Much Spousal Support Can I Get in California?

A: The amount of spousal support you can receive in the state of California tends to vary based on several different factors, including but not limited to how long you were married, both parties’ earning capacities, the general standard of living, and one party’s ability to pay. Since each case is different, having a skilled Riverside spousal support lawyer can help you get the most out of your alimony arrangement by bringing clarity and strategy to your unique situation.

Q: What Are the Two Types of Spousal Support Timelines in California?

A: In California, there are two main types of spousal support timelines: temporary and long-term spousal support. Temporary spousal support can be ordered by the court while the case is pending, helping to provide for the lesser-earning spouse while awaiting the court’s final decision. Long-term spousal support is issued once the divorce has been finalized. It can last for a specified or indefinite amount of time and may be revisited if future changes require the court to do so.

Q: Can You Ask for Spousal Support Without the Help of a Lawyer?

A: While it is perfectly legal in the state of California for you to try handling your spousal support case without a lawyer, you may want to consider the benefits of hiring a spousal support lawyer. Not only will your lawyer be able to guide you every step of the way, but they can also have a huge impact on your case’s outcome. To get the most out of your spousal support case, consider consulting with a spousal support lawyer today.

Get Representation Today

Going through a divorce is one of the hardest experiences an individual can undergo. The added stress caused by financial uncertainty can add yet another layer of overwhelming stress that may leave you feeling exhausted, confused, and isolated. Fortunately, you do not need to face this all by yourself.

At the Riverside location of the Najera Law Group, APC, you will have access to spousal support lawyers who are ready to take on your case. Not only will they help bring clarity to the complex world of family law, but they can also advocate on your behalf, negotiating with other parties in the pursuit of your desired outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.