Divorce can often be overwhelming for many people because there are several important matters to determine that can significantly impact their lives. One of these matters is spousal support, or alimony. To ensure your family law case is conducted fairly, be sure to work with a qualified and experienced Temecula spousal support lawyer.
About Najera Law Group, APC
Najera Law Group, APC, a family law practice based in Riverside County, is composed of a team of dedicated and compassionate professionals. We understand how sensitive and stressful family law cases can be. That’s why we’re here to simplify and streamline the process so you can reach your goals more efficiently and move forward. In addition to spousal support matters, we can assist with child custody and child support, paternity, and property division, among other divorce and family law issues.
If you’re navigating the legal system, we can fight to protect your interests. Call (951) 821-4647 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
Meet Our Team
Built on Courtroom Experience, Driven by Purpose.
Our attorneys have collectively tried more than 250 jury trials and thousands of non-jury trials, contested hearings, and courtroom proceedings in Family Law, Probate, Civil Litigation, Tax, and Criminal Law. That experience shapes how we evaluate cases, counsel our clients, and fight for results.
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When to Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer
According to the CDC, the divorce rate in the U.S. was 2.4 per 1,000 people in 2023. There were 672,502 divorces reported that year. This was slightly lower than in 2022, when 673,989 divorces were reported. One of the most disputed issues in divorce proceedings is spousal support.
Spousal support, also called alimony or spousal maintenance, is paid by one spouse to the other in the form of predetermined installments. The purpose of spousal support is to provide needed financial maintenance, usually to the lesser-earning spouse. Temporary spousal support may be paid during the divorce proceedings. Long-term spousal support may be awarded once the divorce is finalized, but long-term does not necessarily mean permanent. Support can be adjusted when circumstances change.
Either party may request spousal support, though it’s not guaranteed to be awarded. Typically, it’s left to the court to determine whether a spouse qualifies for support and, if so, for how long and how much. The court must consider all relevant factors of a case to determine if spousal support is needed, including:
The duration of the marriage
What financial and non-economic contributions each spouse brought to the marriage
How the marital property will be divided
How large an income disparity is there between spouses
The age and health of each spouse
How much child support is being paid, if applicable
The standard of living established during the marriage
The capability of each spouse to earn income
Spousal support laws can often be complex to navigate, so it’s strongly recommended that you work with a family law professional who is deeply familiar with the various legal processes involved. Whether you or your spouse is the party requesting support, you should hire a spousal support lawyer to ensure the court order is fair.
Family law proceedings, including spousal support cases, in Temecula are most likely to be handled by the Southwest Justice Center. This courthouse is located at 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563. The legal venue may change depending on certain factors of your case, so be sure to consult a qualified Temecula spousal support attorney about where the proceedings may be handled.
FAQs
How Is Spousal Support Determined in California?
In the state of California, whether spousal support is awarded is typically left up to the court to decide. When determining whether spousal support is necessary in a particular case, the court must consider all relevant factors.
These factors include the duration of the marriage, the age and general health of each spouse, the financial and non-economic contributions each spouse made to the marriage, whether there is child support, and how the marital property will be divided.
Do I Have to Pay Spousal Support in Temecula, CA?
Yes, in Temecula, CA, you’re required to pay spousal support if you have been ordered to by the court. If you fail to adhere to a spousal support court order, you can face legal consequences, such as being held in contempt of court or having your wages garnished. It is not guaranteed that spousal support will be awarded in your case. If you haven’t been ordered to pay spousal support, you don’t need to pay it.
Is It Possible to Modify a Spousal Support Order in Temecula, CA?
Yes, under certain circumstances, it is possible to modify a previous spousal support in Temecula, CA. Typically, family law court orders can be modified only if there are significant changes or circumstances warranting the change.
For example, if either party has lost their job or gained a new source of income, this can affect spousal support. If you are no longer able to pay spousal support, it is recommended that you request a modification immediately.
Do I Need a Spousal Support Lawyer in California?
There is no law in the state of California that requires you to hire a spousal support lawyer in order to request alimony or proceed with spousal support issues. It is strongly recommended that you work with a qualified and experienced attorney if you want to improve your chances of receiving spousal support or to protect yourself from an unfair spousal support arrangement. A spousal support lawyer is a family law professional who can advocate on your behalf.
How to Know If I Qualify for Spousal Support in Temecula, CA?
It’s difficult to know whether you may qualify for spousal support without considering your unique circumstances. The court considers various details of your marriage and divorce. Some of the most influential factors in determining spousal support are the income gap between the spouses and each party’s capacity to earn enough to maintain a similar standard of living established during the marriage. You should consult an attorney to see whether you may qualify for spousal support.
Family Lawyer for Your Spousal Support Case
If you need help seeking spousal support, the team at Najera Law Group, APC, is ready to guide you through the process. We have assisted countless clients in Temecula and the surrounding area with their spousal support cases and can help you, too.
Our lawyers can also help if you are the spouse who may be ordered to provide support, or if you need help modifying a previous spousal support order. Contact us today to schedule an initial meeting with a seasoned family law attorney.
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