Alimony and Spousal Support Frequently Asked Questions
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance provided from one spouse to the other after divorce or separation to help maintain their standard of living.
Alimony isn’t automatically awarded in every case. It’s determined based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and their financial needs.
The amount of alimony is influenced by various factors, including the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and their contributions during the marriage.
California doesn’t have a specific formula for calculating alimony. Judges have discretion to consider factors and use their judgment to determine the amount.
Alimony can be temporary, providing support during the divorce process, or long-term, spanning months or years after the divorce is finalized. Permanent alimony is rare.
Yes, alimony orders can be modified if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or employment status.
Yes, alimony orders can be enforced through legal channels if not paid. This may involve wage garnishment, property liens, or contempt of court proceedings.
In some cases, cohabitation of the recipient spouse with a new partner can lead to a reduction or termination of alimony, depending on the circumstances.
For divorces finalized before January 1, 2019, alimony payments were tax-deductible for the paying spouse and considered taxable income for the recipient. After 2018, this changed.
Yes, you can negotiate and agree to waive your right to receive alimony as part of your divorce settlement. It’s important to consider long-term financial implications before doing so.
