Sacramento is not just the capital of California. People have been living here for thousands of years, – Nisenan, Maidu, and all kinds of folks before the Spanish came. Then Sutter showed up and started building forts and stuff, and boom, the city grew. Now, Sacramento has over half a million people in the city and more than 2 million in the metro area. That’s a lot of people who live, work, and yes, sometimes get divorced.
Around 11% of people in Sacramento go through a divorce. That’s higher than other parts of California, even if the state as a whole has a slightly lower rate. And when divorce happens, one of the biggest headaches? Spousal support. Some people call it alimony, but it’s basically money that one person pays to the other so that life doesn’t completely fall apart.
If you find yourself in a divorce, the one thing you should absolutely do is hire an experienced spousal support lawyer in Sacramento.
What Spousal Support Really Is
Spousal support is money that one spouse might pay the other after divorce. It’s meant to help the person who makes less money keep living… kind of like they did when they were married.
There are three main types you need to know:
- Temporary support: This is while the divorce is still going on. It’s called Pendente Lite, and it just keeps things stable until the court makes final decisions.
- Long-term support: This is after the divorce is over. Sometimes it’s called permanent, but don’t get it twisted. Permanent doesn’t always mean forever. Usually, it’s based on how long you were married, how much money the other person makes, and how long it’ll take the lower-earning spouse to get on their feet.
- Alimony in gross: This is basically a one-time payment or a set series of payments. Sometimes people agree on this to avoid the monthly hassle.
How Courts Decide Spousal Support
Judges look at a bunch of stuff to decide if someone should get support and how much:
- Length of the marriage: Longer marriages usually mean longer support. If you were married ten years or more, support might be indefinite.
- Each spouse’s earning capacity: Can you work and make money? Did you put your career on hold for kids or to help your spouse?
- Standard of living during marriage: Judges try to keep both people as close as possible to the original lifestyle they had while they were still married.
- Age and health: Older or sick spouses may need more support.
- History of domestic violence: Abusive partners usually don’t get support.
There’s a law in California, Family Code Section 4320, that lays this all out.
Modifications and End of Support
Spousal support isn’t always forever. In California, support can be modified or stopped if:
- The paying spouse loses a job.
- The receiving spouse starts making enough money.
- Either spouse gets remarried.
- The receiving spouse gets an inheritance.
- Big changes in living costs happen.
You have to go to court and show proof for any change.
Getting a Fair Deal
- Be honest about your money. Both spouses need to share their financial info.
- Mediation can help avoid court fights.
- Try to become self-sufficient. Judges like it when the lower-earning spouse is actively working toward independence.
- Hire a pretty good lawyer for yourself. They can help make sure you don’t get shorted or pay too much.
Key Takeaways
- Spousal support is money one person pays the other after divorce.
- Sacramento has lots of divorces, so you’re not alone.
- The support can be reviewed if any major change happens in the life of the paying spouse.
PhotoCredit: designer491 on iStock by Getty Images
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