Fundamentals of Spousal Support in California

Spousal support, which is also referred to as alimony, often plays an important role during divorce proceedings and the resulting arrangements. Spousal support is defined as the legal obligation that an individual has to support his/her ex-spouse financially during and after the divorce, and specific arrangements are usually influenced by a large number of factors.

Given the case-by-case nature of spousal support and alimony, it is crucial that anyone involved with divorce proceedings in California take the time to consult with a reputable family law attorney. In the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of how spousal support works in California.

Long Term Support vs Short Term Support

When the courts determine that an individual is entitled to continued support after the divorce proceedings are finalized, they grant what is referred to as either long-term support or short-term support. Long-term support is aimed to address the needs of those who might be unable to provide for themselves due to a variety of reasons and is often a more permanent setup.

In contrast, short-term support is meant to only provide assistance until the receiving party is able to get on their feet. The basis for determining whether someone qualifies long-term support lies in the length of a marriage. The longer the marriage, the higher the chances that long-term support is granted.

Temporary Support

Temporary support is an entirely different thing altogether. This type of support only applies while divorce and separation proceedings are still being worked out, and is meant to help individuals secure their essential needs while navigating the time-consuming and often expensive divorce and separation proceedings.

Reach Out To Our Skilled California Family Law Attorneys

We at Fenchel Family Law PC want to thank you for taking the time to read this post and invite anyone who has any additional questions to reach out to us. Remember, when it comes to divorce and family law in California, the seasoned family law attorneys at Fenchel Family Law PC are here to help! Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.