Alimony

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Alimony refers to the financial support provided by one spouse to the other as determined by the court in cases of divorce. In California, spousal support is not mandatory. However, the court has discretion whether to grant it or not. A family law attorney is necessary to handle all matters concerning divorce. Moreover, a family law attorney will see to the correctness of the order to pay spousal support.

In granting spousal support, the law provides for the consideration of several factors, including, among others, the earning capacity of each party sufficient to maintain the standards of living established during the marriage; the extent to which the supported party contributed to the attainment of education, training, a career position, or a license of the supporting party; the ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support; the needs of each party based on the standards of living established during the marriage; the obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each party; and the duration of the marriage. These are considerations requiring the expertise of an alimony attorney. Evidence of these matters must be properly introduced. An alimony lawyer will make sure that these evidence will be appreciated by the court.