TORRANCE SPOUSAL SUPPORT LAWYER 

If you are seeking spousal support or have found yourself involved in a complex alimony case, turn to Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law. With over three decades of experience handling family law matters, Attorney Shook has the know-how to guide and advocate for you. Receiving or paying spousal support can significantly impact a person’s life, especially in a place like Los Angeles County, where everyday expenses continue to increase year over year. Let seasoned Torrance spousal support attorney Michael D. Shook fight for what is fair for you and your family. 

Contact Us (310) 361-2977 for a Complimentary Consultation on Spousal Support

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a court-ordered payment that one party must make to another during or after divorce. Additionally, courts may order spousal support in legal separation and domestic violence cases that involve a restraining order. The purpose of these payments is to maintain both parties’ living conditions and standards. 

There are two types of spousal support:

• Temporary Support: A spouse may pay or receive this support during divorce.
• Long-Term Support: A judge may order a person to pay spousal support for a period that the judge deems fair. 

Calculating Spousal Support in California Courts

Judges take different approaches to determining temporary and long-term spousal support. When calculating temporary support, a judge will endeavor to sustain the parties’ living standards during the divorce process. Judges often use a formula that subtracts 40% of the monthly income of the spouse who makes more money from 50% of the monthly income of the spouse who earns less. A judge can deviate from the amount this formula yields when circumstances call for it. 

For permanent support, judges will account for various factors to determine who pays support, how much, and for how long.

Factors influencing long-term support decisions:

• Length of the marriage. 
• Spouses’ incomes and earning capacity. 
• Lifestyle during the marriage. 
• Children's needs and their impact on support. 

The terms of a long-term spousal support order are not irrevocable. Should a person’s employment status, earnings, or needs change, they request to alter the spousal support order. 

Additionally, judges may include provisions in their order for changes in spousal support or its end. For example, they could schedule payments that decrease over time or include terms ending spousal support payments when the receiving party finishes schooling, becomes self-supporting, or meets another condition.