Santa Barbara Spousal Support Lawyer

Pursuing a Fair Alimony Arrangement on Your Behalf

Divorce is a complicated process driven by many moving parts. Under certain circumstances, one of those moving parts can be spousal support, formerly widely known as alimony. More details follow below, but spousal support is essentially a requirement of one divorcing spouse (the “supporting spouse”) to make payments to the other divorcing spouse (the “supported spouse”).

Do you have questions about spousal support in Santa Barbara? Morales Law, P.C. can help. Contact us online or call (805) 422-7966 for a free consultation.

Duty to Support Spouse/Spousal Support (Alimony)

Marriage imposes a mutual duty on both parties of support (California Family Code § 720, 4300). This duty is gender-neutral, meaning both wife and husband have the duty to support the other spouse.

No Common Law Marriage in California

For the obligation of spousal support to arise in California, there must be a valid marriage. (Hudson v. Hudson (1959) 52 Cal. 2d 735, 738, 344 P.2d 295). There is no common law marriage in California (Marvin v. Marvin (1976) 18 Cal. 3d 660, 684). If the parties were never married, there is no spousal support to the other party, no matter how long the parties have cohabitated.

New-Spouse/Non-Martial Partner Income Irrelevant

When it comes to your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s new partner, spousal support in California cannot consider that person’s wealth or income. Trial courts are statutorily barred from considering the income of a supporting spouse’s and subsequent spouse or non-martial partner when determining or modifying spousal support (California Family Code Section 4323(b); Marriage of Lynn (2002) 101 Cal. App. 4th 120, 133, 123 Cal. Rptr. 2d 611, 621).

Family Code Section 4320

According to Family Code Section 4320, a court may consider the following when ordering spousal support:

1. The extent to which the earning capacity of each spouse is sufficient to maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, taking into account all of the following: the marketable skills of the supported party; the job market for those skills; the time and expenses required for the supported party to acquire the appropriate education or training to develop those skills; and the possible need for retraining or education to acquire other, more marketable skills or employment. Also, the extent to which the supported party’s present or future capacity is impaired by periods of unemployment that were incurred during the marriage to permit the supported party to devote time to domestic duties.
2. The extent to which the supported spouse contributed to the attainment of an education, training, a career position, or a license by the other spouse.
3. The supporting spouse’s ability to pay spousal support, considering the supporting spouse’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living.
4. The needs of each party, based on the standard of living established during the marriage.
5. The obligations and assets, including the separate property, of each.
6. The duration of the marriage.
7. The ability of the supported spouse to engage in gainful employment without interfering with the interests of dependent children in the custody of the spouse.
8. The age and health of the parties.
9. Documented evidence of any history of domestic violence between the parties or perpetrated by each party against either party’s child.
10. The immediate and specific tax consequences to each party.
11. The balance of the hardships to each party.
12. The goal that the supported party must be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time, with a “reasonable period of time” generally being one-half the length of marriage (except with respect to a marriage of long duration, as described in Family Code 4336), although the court retains discretion to order support for a greater or lesser length of time, based on any of the other factors listed in Family Code Section 4320 and the parties’ circumstances.
13. The criminal of an abusive spouse.

Subsection 14 gives the court the power to consider almost everything that has a bearing on spousal support. It is wise to be represented by counsel to determine which of these factors to present to the court.

Unsure about your liability to pay spousal support in Santa Barbara, or your eligibility to receive spousal support? Call our Santa Barbara alimony attorney at (805) 422-7966 to see how we can help.

Temporary Spousal Support Order in California

After filing for divorce and before final judgment of divorce is entered, the court may order temporary spousal support. This temporary spousal support will continue to be paid monthly by a party until a further court order or the final order of dissolution is entered (Family Code § 3600).

Although a court is required to consider all the factors Family Code § 4320, most courts will award temporary spousal support based on the income of each party and allowable deductions from such income. In Santa Barbara divorces, courts will use a program called the DissoMaster. The DissoMaster uses the income of each party along with allowable deductions from income to determine an amount of temporary spousal support.

If you’re wondering how much you may be liable to pay in temporary spousal support, call (805) 422-7966 now for a DissoMaster estimate.

Permanent Spousal Support Order

A court may order a party to pay for the support of the other party in any amount, and for any period of time, that the court deems just and reasonable based on the standard of living established during the marriage (California Family Code § 4330). In awarding permanent spousal support, it is reversible error to use computer programs like DissoMaster (California Family Code § 3830; California Rules of Court Rule 5.275; In re Marriage of Schulze (1997) 60 Cal. App. 4th 519).

In awarding permanent spousal support the court must consider the factors of Family Code § 4320 and determine what is just and reasonable under all factual circumstances presented. See the factors of Family Code § 4320 above.

Duration of Spousal Support in CA

There is a presumption that a marriage of 10 years or more is a marriage of long duration. In a marriage of long duration, a court may award spousal support for an indefinite period of time (California Family Code Section 4336).

Marriages of less than 10 years are generally considered short term marriages. Family Code Section 4320 (12) will generally operate to make spousal support awards for a marriage of less than 10 years for approximately half of the length of marriage.

These are just presumptions. Other factors and evidence can change the presumptions and lead to different results.

Modification of Spousal Support — Change of Circumstances Requirement

In order to modify a prior spousal support order, the moving party must show a material change of circumstances since the time of the prior order.

In order for a modification of spousal support to be granted, the court must find the supported spouse needs the modification and the supporting spouse has ability to pay.

Circumstances that may allow for a reduction, increase, or outright termination of spousal support requirements include:

• Supporting spouse’s retirement
• Cohabitation of supported spouse
• Failure of an expectation upon which spousal support is ordered
• Financial situation of the parties

Situations that are not sufficient change of circumstances per se for a modification of spousal support include:

• Change of law
• Passage of time
• Remarriage or cohabitation of supporting spouse

Santa Barbara’s Local Rule 1419

Santa Barbara Court Local rule 1419 requires a party to provide certain disclosures to the other party when child support, spousal support, or attorney’s fees or costs are in issue. Local Rule 1419 requires a party to disclose the criteria beneath each of the following circumstances.

If a wage earner or unemployed:

• Federal income tax returns for the two most recent years
• Bank statements for all personal accounts for the 12 most recent months
• All W-2s and 1099s received in the past 12 months
• A copy of local rule 1419
• A declaration explaining the failure by the moving party to comply with any of the foregoing requirements

If self-employed or owning 30 percent or more interest in any business entity:

• Federal income tax returns for the two most recent years
• All W-2s and 1099s received in the past 12 months
• A copy of local rule 1419
• A copy of all periodic profit and loss statements and balance sheets prepared in the ordinary course of business for the past 12 months
• A copy of all personal bank account statements and check registers for the past 12 months
• A copy of all loan applications submitted to financial institutions or third persons for the past 12 months
• A written offer to either supply a copy of the business books and records requested by the opposing party upon five days’ notice or an offer to permit the opposing party or his or her attorney to inspect such books and records upon five days’ notice
• A declaration explaining the party’s failure to comply with any of the foregoing requirements

Termination of Spousal Support

Except as otherwise ordered or agreed to by the parties in writing, the obligation to pay spousal support terminates on the death of either party or the remarriage of the supported party. You can, however, apply for a termination of spousal support under certain factual circumstances.

Contact Morales Law at (805) 422-7966 to discuss terminating spousal support, or fighting against spousal support termination. Attorney Marcus W. Morales is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar Of CA, Board Of Legal Specialization. Our spousal support attorney in Santa Barbara has the experience and knowledge you need. 

Common Mistakes in Dealing with Spousal Support in California

1. Underestimating the Importance of Accurate Financial Documentation: Many individuals fail to provide thorough and accurate financial records. Incomplete or incorrect financial documentation can significantly impact the court’s decision regarding spousal support. It is crucial to present a clear picture of income, expenses, and assets to ensure a fair evaluation.
2. Ignoring the Impact of Career Choices: Some may overlook how their educational and career decisions affect their earning capacity post-divorce. It’s important to understand that choices made during the marriage, such as sacrificing career advancement for family responsibilities, can influence spousal support determinations. Individuals should be prepared to demonstrate how their earning potential has been affected by the marriage.
3. Failing to Respond to Changes in Circumstances: Once spousal support is established, life changes such as job loss, a new job, or a change in financial circumstances can lead individuals to believe they do not need to take action. However, failing to seek a modification when circumstances change can result in unnecessary financial strain or an unfair obligation to pay.

An attorney can play a vital role in helping you navigate the complexities of spousal support, ensuring that all necessary documentation is gathered and submitted correctly. They can provide strategic guidance on how to present your financial situation effectively and advocate for your rights regarding support obligations. Additionally, an attorney can assist in monitoring life changes that might necessitate a modification of the support arrangement, helping you to adapt your strategy in the ever-changing landscape of family law.

*All information on this website is for information purposes only. This website and the information herein should not be construed as legal advice or be relied upon without first consulting an attorney.