Practice Areas
San Diego Spousal Support Lawyers
San Diego Spousal Support Lawyers
Expert, Compassionate Legal Counsel
BLSAPC is the well-known spousal support lawyers in San Diego, having served the community for over 30 years. We have a team of experienced attorneys who understand the sensitive and often complex nature of these cases. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in spousal support cases.
The amount and duration of spousal support are determined by a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, and their respective needs and obligations.
Members of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists for 20 Years
What Are the Laws in San Diego on Spousal Support and Alimony?
The San Diego Family Court has jurisdiction to make an award of spousal support as part of a divorce process. The Court’s goal is to allow both parties to maintain the status quo, i.e., the standard of living established during marriage.
The Family Court has jurisdiction to make temporary orders while the dissolution process is pending. Permanent orders are made at the time of settlement or trial. Although a judgment of dissolution contains what is termed a “permanent” spousal support order, in most cases, even permanent orders are subject to modification.
How is Spousal Support Calculated?
Where one spouse is unemployed or underemployed, the Court can consider imputing income to such an individual, if the appropriate evidence is provided. This evidence can be the subject of expert testimony, such as a vocational evaluator. The San Diego Family Court has the statutory authority to order either party to submit to an examination by a licensed vocational counselor. The Family Court has the authority to order one or both parties to make job contacts and report the results to the other side on a regular basis.
How is the Duration of Awards Determined?
The duration of a spousal support award is also determined at the time of settlement or trial. Generally, the period for which spouse support is paid is half the duration of the marriage, this provision does not apply in long term marriages. By statute, California law defines a long term marriage as one of ten years or longer. Certain case law has defined “long term” for shorter periods of time.
It is the policy of the State of California for an individual who is the recipient of spousal support to become self-supporting within a reasonable period of time. In an appropriate case, the Court can modify downward or terminate spousal support if the recipient has not made a good faith effort to accomplish this goal.
Results-Oriented Legal Counsel
“I don’t think there’s a way to describe the stress that comes with going through the divorce process, including the follow up court proceedings after the divorce is final. In my case, my attorney and paralegal were always calm, professional and reassuring, and expeditiously helped me resolve my spousal support issue. Great team!”
Representation for Spousal Support Cases in San Diego, CA
As part of a settlement agreement, the parties can agree to stipulate that spousal support is “non-modifiable” in amount and/or duration. If such an agreement is properly drafted, the terms of the agreement will be enforced and the Family Court will not have jurisdiction to change them.
Practice Areas
Office Address
Our Office Location
Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC
San Diego Divorce Attorney
9663 Tierra Grande. Suite 301
San Diego. CA 92126
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