Practice Areas

Spousal Support

Orange County Spousal Support and Alimony Lawyer

As an integral part of almost any divorce, issues of spousal support (otherwise called “alimony”) can become one of the more complicated and involved aspects of your divorce process. At the Law Offices of Wendy L.C. Fountain A PC., we can help you interpret the California alimony guidelines and ensure that you receive the most fair and appropriate divorce settlement possible. With a law firm centrally located in Orange, our divorce settlement lawyer assist individuals throughout Southern California.

California Spousal Support Guidelines

Under California law, a divorcing spouse may be entitled to receive temporary and /or permanent award of spousal support. Pre-trial interim spousal support is typically awarded to help an individual in need meet their financial and lifestyle needs through the duration of the divorce process. Additionally, a permanent order of spousal support may be available if certain circumstances exist. In ordering spousal support, the family law court will consider a variety of factors, primarily being the earning capacity of each spouse and their marketable skills, the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage, hardship or any special needs of either spouse, and the duration of the marriage.

If the marriage lasted least 10 years or more and circumstances require an award of support, the spouses may expect spousal support to continue indefinitely until death or remarriage of the recipient spouse. For marriages of less than ten years, a typical spousal support award lasts for one-half the length of the marriage.

Modifications to Spousal Support Orders

Obtaining a post-decree modification to spousal support can be difficult to obtain depending on the specificity included in the prior award. In this situation, it is especially important to have an experienced spousal support attorney that knows the relevant law as well as the strategies to either pursue or defend against a modification. The family law court usually only orders modifications under exceptional circumstances of substantially changed needs, for example, due to significant health needs of either spouse, retirement, or a financial windfall or casualty loss. We help by presenting your best argument for or against a modification under the applicable rules. 

Please read more about spousal support on our Family Law Practice Center.

We also represent clients in contempt and enforcement actions for the non-payment of support. Contact Us Now for experienced legal advice in your spousal support or alimony dispute or modification needs.