One of the most significant issues that often arises during a divorce is alimony. Alimony is designed to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living after the marriage ends. However, alimony is not as straightforward as it may seem. The good news is that Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP is here to help! Keep reading to understand alimony, and why having an experienced alimony attorney in Ontario CA by your side is crucial.
Understanding Alimony Basics
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is intended to provide financial support to the spouse who may struggle to maintain their standard of living after the divorce. The goal is to ensure that neither spouse faces undue hardship during and after a divorce. However, alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case. The court considers several factors before determining whether alimony should be awarded and how much should be paid.
Factors that influence alimony decisions include:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living while married
- Earning capacity of the spouse requesting support
- Other spouse’s ability to pay support
- Age and health of both spouses
- Division of assets and debts
- Custody arrangements for any children
- Any history of domestic violence
- Existence of any prenuptial agreement
Types of Alimony in California
In California, alimony can take several forms. Temporary alimony is awarded during the divorce proceedings to help the lower-earning spouse maintain stability until the divorce is finalized. This type of support ends once the final divorce decree is issued.
Permanent alimony may be awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unlikely to become self-sufficient. However, this is less common in shorter marriages.
Rehabilitative alimony is another option and is designed to help the receiving spouse gain the education or skills necessary to become financially independent.
Finally, transitional alimony is typically made as a one-time payment. This type of alimony can be awarded to help one spouse cover the expenses of transitioning to a separate life. For example, it might be used to allow the supported spouse to purchase a car so that they can commute to work outside the home.
Understanding which type of alimony may apply to your situation can be tricky, and this is where an experienced alimony attorney in Ontario CA can provide invaluable guidance.
Why You Need an Alimony Attorney in Ontario CA
Navigating alimony in California requires more than just a basic understanding of the law. It requires experience, expertise, and a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in each case. At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP, we help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their alimony cases. As your trusted alimony attorney in Ontario CA, we are committed to providing you with the personalized attention and legal guidance you need during this challenging time. Whether you’re seeking alimony, need to modify an existing arrangement, or are involved in an alimony dispute, we can help. Contact us today at 909-482-1422 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your financial future.
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