Rialto Spousal Support Lawyer

When divorcing, alimony can be a complicated issue to sort out. Whether you need it or want to avoid paying it, a Rialto spousal support lawyer can help you get the best possible resolution.

Are you worried about paying spousal support or looking to receive alimony? If so, you should speak with a Rialto spousal support lawyer from the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock. This is one of the more complicated issues in any divorce, making it important to work with an experienced attorney to ensure that your best interests are met.

Alimony Is Not Always Awarded

There is a common assumption that alimony is paid in every divorce. This is not always true, however. In some cases, support is not warranted, while in others, both parties will waive support. To find out what is likely to happen in your divorce, speak with a Rialto alimony lawyer from our office.

There must be a legal case to ask for support, including cases of the following:

Divorce
Legal separation
Annulment
Domestic violence

Alimony can be awarded temporarily while your case is pending. A final ruling on whether the support will be awarded will be made when your situation resolves.

The Judge Will Consider Several Factors

When determining if alimony is warranted and how much to order, a judge will consider the following points:

How long you were married
Both of your ages
If there is a history of one spouse supporting the other
How much money each person needs to support his or her lifestyle
The capacity of each party to earn an income, along with the capacity to pay child support
Age of your children and if it would be better for one parent to stay home and care for them

These are the main factors a judge will consider, but all of it is open for interpretation, and the final calculation will be based on a judge’s opinion. Hiring a Rialto spousal support lawyer to make a strong argument on your behalf is wise, especially since any request will need to be backed up by evidence and compelling arguments.

It’s About Time and Money

When dealing with alimony concerns, you should be focused on how much will be paid and how long it will be paid for. For example, a judge may award spousal support until your children reach school-age or until a spouse, who had been supported, can get a job that supports his or her standard of living. Some judges will even award alimony to allow someone to go back to school, making it more likely that he or she can be self-sufficient in the future.

In most cases, the order to pay spousal support will have a clear end-date. The goal for anyone paying is to have that date come as quickly as possible, while for those receiving spousal support, an argument must be made for why it should be extended as long as possible or appropriate.

Alimony and Domestic Partnerships

Couples are often not aware that alimony can be awarded when a domestic partnership ends. Called “partner support,” the same basic alimony rules apply when determining what someone will have to pay.

Alimony Is Not Child Support

If minor children are involved, child support will be awarded separately from alimony since alimony is to help financially support a former spouse, and those funds do not necessarily need to go for the support of children, even when sharing a household.

Child support is specifically to pay for the needs of the kids and will last until they turn eighteen or complete college, while alimony tends to have a shorter duration.

Contact a Rialto Alimony Lawyer

Get the assistance you require from an experienced Rialto spousal support lawyer by calling the Law Office of Laurence J. Brock at 909-466-7661. You can also use the contact form on this page to schedule a free consultation.