CALIFORNIA CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT (ALIMONY)

SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN CALIFORNIA
Temporary spousal support can be ordered by a judge after divorce proceedings have begun and before a final judgment has been entered. Temporary support is intended to be used to maintain the marital standard of living for the supported spouse. As a practical matter, this is almost impossible. Two households cannot be supported in substantially the same fashion as one can based on the same resources.  Temporary spousal support is awarded based on statutory guideline amounts. These amounts can vary from county to county. Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California, for example, follow the same guidelines. I can quickly determine the amount of spousal support that you may be awarded or ordered to pay by a Court. The amount of support can vary based on any special circumstances of a case (for example, extraordinary medical expenses).

Permanent spousal support awards are based on certain statutory factors with the goal that the supported spouse becomes self-supporting. While permanent awards are generally written in language stating that they will last until the death or remarriage of the supported spouse, it is possible that they can be modified and even terminated.

Either party can seek a modification of spousal support based on a change of circumstances.  Changed circumstances include factors such as increases or decreases in income. 

CHILD SUPPORT IN CALIFORNIA
Child support orders in California are also based on statutory guidelines that can be determined using the same computer software that is used to calculate spousal support. Parents cannot agree to limit the court’s ability to issue or modify child support orders. However, parents can come to their own agreements about how much child support meets the best interests of the child. As with spousal support orders, a party can seek a modification of a child support order based on changed circumstances.

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