Brea Spousal Support Lawyer

Brea Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal support is a factor in many Brea divorces. The decision as to whether one spouse must provide financial support to the other, and how long those payments will continue, ultimately rests with the judge presiding over the case. A Brea spousal support lawyer works to make sure the spousal support process is fair and conforms with state guidelines. Legal representation influences the outcome of the process in your favor.

A Brea Spousal Support Law Firm That Benefits Your Case Through Strategic Planning

If you are going through a divorce that could potentially involve a spousal support order, you need representation that protects your rights and interests throughout that process. The team of attorneys at Minyard Morris has dedicated their careers to practicing family law and representing clients in and around Brea. We bring over 350 years of collective legal and courtroom experience to the cases we handle.

One of the things that sets our law firm apart is our focus on collective problem-solving, allowing us to meet any complex challenges our clients run into. Multiple times per week, we gather all our award-winning lawyers for strategy sessions. We view this time as vital to the work we do. While peer-reviewed organizations, such as Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, recognize our firm’s work each year, our greatest pride comes from achieving meaningful results for our clients.

Understanding Spousal Support in Brea

Spousal support can be a contentious part of any divorce, but the courts must consider the merits of awarding support to one spouse. California has a marriage rate of 5.5 for every 1,000 residents per year. Furthermore, about 7% of men and 10% of women are divorced in Orange County.

In Brea, where the median house vales is $1,099,976, courts assess each spouse’s financial resources, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage when deciding whether to order support and for how long. These assessments can be particularly complex in high-net-worth divorces.

Residents in neighborhoods like Olinda Ranch, Artisan Walk, and Country Hills may need to address spousal support disputes through one of the family courthouses serving Brea and the surrounding communities.

What the Courts Consider When Setting Spousal Support

Judges evaluate many factors under Family Code § 4320 when deciding whether to set spousal support. These factors include:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
• The standard of living during the marriage
• Whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the other’s professional growth

Although the state lays out the factors that can be considered, judges have wide discretion in the final decision.

Why You Should Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

Whether you are seeking or contesting spousal support, your top priority should be to hire a spousal support lawyer to represent you through the process. With representation from a Brea spousal support attorney, you benefit from their years of handling complex spousal support cases. California’s alimony laws require anyone seeking or contesting spousal support to back up their arguments with compelling evidence.

A family law attorney gathers the evidence you need and explains how your case could impact your divorce. There may be opportunities for making modest concessions in one area of your life in return for achieving your goals regarding spousal support. Asserting your rights and interests often requires the insights, support, and guidance of an attorney. They understand the local family court system and work to further your goals in court.

FAQs

Do I Have to Support My Wife After a Divorce?

You do not automatically have to support your wife during your divorce or after. When one party requests spousal support, the courts consider many factors. Any decision made by a judge must be based on evidence. There are no guarantees that spousal support will be included in the final court order. Having legal representation is critical for safeguarding your rights and succeeding in your efforts to request or contest support.

What Terminates Spousal Support in CA?

The court order may include conditions for ending the order, which would likely include remarriage or cohabitation with a romantic partner. Other orders may include a specific date when the payments end. Either party has the option of going back to court to ask for a modification, but doing so requires proof of a substantial change in living or financial circumstances.

What Is Lump-Sum Alimony?

Lump-sum alimony refers to a one-time payment to the other spouse instead of ongoing spousal support. There may be times when both parties prefer a one-time payment instead of regular payments over months or years. Given the finality of these types of agreements, it is crucial to have your family law attorney carefully review yours.

Can I Modify Spousal Support?

Yes. California law allows many family court orders to be modified. To do so, the person seeking the modification must demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common grounds for requesting a modification to a support payment include:

• The loss of a job
• Retirement
• Increased income
• A long-term illness

The court then reviews the evidence and legal arguments before deciding whether to modify the court order.

Minyard Morris: Your Strategic Brea Spousal Support Law Firm

If you are going through a divorce that could lead to paying spousal support, the time to act is now. The outcome of a spousal support case in Brea can have lasting consequences for both parties. Each party stands to either lose or gain significant amounts of money, and the result of the case will be enforceable through a court order. Therefore, it is vital to have strong representation who is focused on preserving your rights and future.

At Minyard Morris, we bring more than 350 years of combined family law experience to complex spousal support matters. Our divorce attorneys are trusted throughout Orange County courts for their preparation, strategy, and commitment to delivering results. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with a highly respected and skilled legal team.