Spousal Support (Alimony) Lawyers
California’s spousal support laws are complex and ever-changing. If you are involved in a divorce or legal separation in California and you anticipate that you or your spouse may seek a spousal support award, it is critical that you have highly qualified legal counsel.
In Orange County, you may find the experienced legal representation you require at Bohm Wildish, LLP. Attorney Sherry Graybehl D’Antony heads our family law practice. Attorney D’Antony is certified as a family law specialist by the State Bar of California. She has been handling divorce and family law cases for more than 20 years.
Contact Bohm Wildish, LLP to speak with an experienced divorce and family law attorney about your case.
Criteria for Spousal Support
Spouses may enter into an agreement that specifies the amount and duration of a spousal support award. If no agreement is reached by the parties and a case proceeds to trial before a judge, the judge may order that either party pay spousal support in an amount and for the duration the Court deems appropriate. In making such a decision, the judge will consider a number of factors enumerated in the California Family Code.
The Court will consider the income of both parties, duration of the marriage, standard of living enjoyed by the parties during the marriage and the totality of circumstances that affect the equitable interests and financial security of the parties.
Effect of Spousal Support Award
Spousal maintenance is generally tax deductible for the payor and taxable income for the payee. By contrast, child support payments are not tax deductible. Accordingly, parties subject to a divorce should consider the tax impacts of a spousal support award when negotiating a Martial Settlement Agreement.
An experienced divorce lawyer at Bohm Wildish, LLP can handle all aspects of your marital dissolution, including the draft and negotiation of a carefully structured Marital Settlement Agreement. If an agreement is not reached, an experienced trial lawyer at Bohm Wildish, LLP will be thoroughly prepared to argue aggressively at trial for the protection of your rights.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer
To speak with one of our Orange County spousal support lawyers, contact Bohm Wildish, LLP in Costa Mesa, California. For assistance, call 714-384-6500.