San Fernando Valley Spousal Support Lawyer

Advocating For Your Right to Fair Alimony Agreements in Northridge & Century City

There are generally two types of spousal support in California: temporary and permanent. While temporary spousal support can be a fairly mechanical procedure, similar to calculating child support, any spousal support that is ordered at the time of trial or settlement is far more nuanced.

At Joel S. Seidel & Associates, our San Fernando Valley family law attorneys are highly experienced in these matters, and we regularly help our clients achieve fair spousal support arrangements. We also help our clients obtain modifications of existing support orders when circumstances have changed substantially.

Speak With Our Lawyers Today for Alimony Assistance

Calculating Spousal Support in California

In California, temporary spousal support is usually calculated with the DissoMaster™ program, which provides a mathematical formula for the support calculation. In fact, courts encourage lawyers and litigants to use a computer program to calculate the amount of temporary spousal support, which is generally higher than permanent spousal support.

However, for permanent spousal support, use of the DissoMaster™ program is prohibited. Rather, the trial court must balance various facts as set forth in the Family Code in fashioning the correct spousal support order. The court decides what the appropriate spousal support order is by considering the standard of living established during the marriage and other circumstances.

This May Include, but Is Not Limited To:

• The supporting spouse's ability to pay
• Each spouse's needs, as they relate to the marital standard of living
• Each spouse's obligations and assets, including any separate property
• Any other factors relevant to a just and equitable award

The court has broad discretion in these matters, and it is important to have an experienced San Fernando Valley spousal support attorney on your side whether you are seeking to receive permanent spousal support or being asked to pay it.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

While not a hard and fast rule, the presumption regarding spousal support in California is that, for marriages that end in divorce after less than 10 years, the typical duration of spousal support is one-half the length of the marriage (i.e., usually no more than five years).

For long-term marriages, which are those lasting at least 10 years, spousal support may be ordered for a much longer span of time, even until the supported spouse's death or remarriage, although other circumstances factor into the court's decision.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced spousal support lawyer near you, contact Joel S. Seidel & Associates at (818) 435-3773. We have offices in Century City and Northridge.

Why Choose Our Alimony Lawyers?

Joel S. Seidel & Associates offers comprehensive legal services for spousal support cases, ensuring that your interests are represented and your financial future is protected. Our services include:

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

We offer an initial consultation to discuss your situation, understand your needs, and evaluate your case. During this consultation, we provide an overview of your legal options and what you can expect throughout the process.

Negotiation and Mediation

Our team excels in negotiation and mediation, striving to reach an amicable spousal support agreement without the need for litigation. We work diligently to protect your interests and achieve a fair settlement.

Litigation

If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to represent you in court. Our experienced litigators will present a compelling case to ensure that your rights are upheld and that you receive a fair spousal support arrangement.

Modification and Enforcement

Life circumstances can change, necessitating modifications to spousal support agreements. We assist clients in modifying existing support orders to reflect changes in income, employment, health, or other significant factors. Additionally, we help enforce spousal support orders to ensure compliance.

Post-Divorce Financial Planning

Our San Fernando Valley spousal support lawyers provide guidance on financial planning post-divorce to help you manage your finances effectively and build a secure future. This includes budgeting, investment advice, and planning for any potential future modifications to spousal support.

Contact Our San Fernando Valley Spousal Support Attorney Today

The San Fernando Valley family law attorneys of Joel S. Seidel & Associates have extensive experience in handling cases with a wide variety of spousal support considerations, and we have represented parties on both sides of the spousal support issue: those seeking an award of spousal support and those challenging or defending against unreasonable spousal support demands. As necessary, we enlist the help of forensic accountants or vocational experts to assist the court in determining the appropriate spousal support figure.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced San Fernando Valley spousal support lawyer, contact Joel S. Seidel & Associates at (818) 435-3773. We have offices in Century City and Northridge.