Determining Whether You Or Your Spouse Is Entitled To Alimony

Alimony can be a difficult issue to resolve during the divorce process. Both spouses may feel entitled to the lifestyle they had during the marriage, but maintaining that lifestyle in two separate households may not always be possible, especially in the current economic climate.

At the Law Offices of Susan H. Witting, we help Ventura County clients pursue fair and appropriate spousal support outcomes. Thousand Oaks spousal support attorney Susan H. Witting, a certified family law specialist, has more than 34 years of experience in this area.

Understanding the Factors Affecting Spousal Support Decisions

There is no spousal support formula like there is for child support. In a negotiated or mediated divorce case, the parties have complete discretion to decide whether there will be alimony, and if so, how much and for how long. In a litigated case, this discretion lies with the judge.

In general, except in long-term marriages, the trend in California is to treat alimony as a temporary measure to help one spouse become self-sufficient.

It is important to make decisions about spousal support based on accurate information about each party’s income and earning power. We are experienced at carefully investigating these issues with the help of forensic accountants and other qualified experts when necessary.

We also have extensive experience addressing issues such as military spousal support and whether to treat the distribution of income-generating assets as property division or alimony.

Contact an Experienced California Alimony Attorney at 805-777-7371

Our offices are conveniently located right off the 101 freeway in Thousand Oaks, with plentiful free parking. If you need help with a spousal support issue, do not hesitate to call us at 805-777-7371 or e-mail us to schedule a consultation with divorce lawyer Susan H. Witting.