WHAT IS SPOUSAL SUPPORT? IS IT THE SAME AS ALIMONY?

Spousal support is the term for alimony in California. Spousal support is money that one spouse pays to help support the other after the filing of a dissolution. The spouse receiving such support will pay federal and state income taxes on it and the one making such payments will be entitled to a tax deduction. To determine the amount of spousal support, the judge will consider such factors as the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and the age, health, earning capacity and job histories of both individuals. Not everyone is entitled to spousal support.

Perhaps neither of you needs spousal support. Since circumstances can change (such as an illness or the loss of a job), you may ask the judge to "reserve jurisdiction" to order spousal support in the future. This will leave the door open so you can ask for such support at a later time. Under certain circumstances, you or your spouse may go back to court and ask the judge to change the amount of support.

The judge also can order a wage assignment, directing a spouse's employer to pay spousal support directly to the other spouse.

In order to insure that either you receive the proper amount of spousal support or to insure that you pay the proper amount of spousal support you may want to consult with an attorney trained in this area.

At the Law Office of Mark A. Reed we are specially trained in all areas of family law, including child and spousal support. Please contact us for a free consultation. 858-277-0232.