Spousal Support Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA spousal support lawyer can be difficult to understand, but the right legal team can walk you through your options. At Skarin Law Group, we’ve been helping our clients with their spousal support cases for over 10 years, and we’re one of the 1% of California lawyers who specialize in family law.

Whether you’re looking for an adjustment or just more information, we’re ready to help you with your spousal support. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from spousal support, and what you can expect from your lawyer, as well.

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support (formerly referred to as alimony) is a regular payment that is made to a former spouse when a couple divorces or legally separates. If you split with your partner and you were married, you may be on the hook for spousal support. But in some cases, you may be on the receiving end of these much-needed payments.

Spousal support exists for a reason. During a marriage, there’s a standard of living that is maintained by both parties working together. However, when they divorce, one party must make regular payments to ensure their former spouse is still able to survive from a financial standpoint.

While it sounds intimidating, spousal support isn’t a major issue in every divorce. In California, spousal support only applies if a marriage lasted for a long time, or one of the spouses is earning a lot less money than the other.

During your divorce proceedings, a court can order a regular payment to your ex, or reserve spousal support – in which case, you won’t have to pay spousal support now, but you may end up making regular payments later. A court can also end spousal support.

When Does Spousal Support End?

In California, the duration of spousal support varies depending on how long you were married. If you and your partner were married for less than 10 years, the spousal support will typically last for half the amount of years you were together. But if you were married longer than 10 years, it’s up to the court (and your lawyers).

With the right legal input, you can adjust how long those spousal support payments go on for – and when they can end. A judge will have to look over several factors before awarding spousal support, and your lawyer can make sure your case is presented fairly.

What Does A Spousal Support Lawyer Do For Me?

A divorce is never easy, but a spousal support lawyer can walk you through the whole process. Your lawyer can help you understand the factors that a judge will consider before awarding spousal support, and since many spousal support lawyers also specialize in family law, they can help you figure out child custody and visitation while you’re at it.

Aside from the emotional toll of a divorce, the practical aftermath can affect you for years. If you’re concerned about spousal support, you’ll need a lawyer to walk you through your options.

Contact Skarin Law Group Today

At Skarin Law Group, we’re ready to help you deal with your spousal support, whether you’re concerned about paying, or concerned about receiving. Get in touch with us today, and see how a Los Angeles spousal support lawyer from our office can help.

Common Causes of Spousal Support Disputes

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is designed to provide financial stability to one spouse following a separation or divorce. While its purpose is clear, the process of determining who pays, how much, and for how long often becomes a point of contention. Disputes around spousal support can significantly impact divorce proceedings and future financial well-being. Working with an experienced spousal support lawyer is paramount when these disagreements arise. Below are some of the most common causes of spousal support disputes in California and how legal guidance may help manage them effectively.

Significant Income Disparity Between Spouses

When one spouse earns considerably more than the other, it frequently leads to disputes over how much support should be paid. The higher-earning spouse may feel the request is excessive, while the lower-earning spouse may believe it’s necessary for maintaining their standard of living. This financial imbalance often sparks the need for court intervention.

Disagreement Over Duration of Support

Another common cause of conflict is how long spousal support should last. One party might argue that support should be temporary, giving the receiving spouse time to become self-sufficient. On the other hand, the recipient may claim that they need long-term support due to age, health issues, or having been out of the workforce for years.

Accusations of Intentional Unemployment or Underemployment

Some spouses allege that the other is purposely avoiding work or taking low-paying jobs to increase the spousal support they are entitled to receive. These accusations can be difficult to prove but often lead to major disputes. A qualified spousal support lawyer can help uncover financial records and establish true earning capacity.

Misrepresentation of Financial Information

Whether it’s hiding assets or underreporting income, dishonesty during financial disclosures creates serious tension. Full and accurate financial transparency is required by law, and failure to comply can delay settlements or lead to legal consequences.

Changed Financial Circumstances After Divorce

Disputes can also arise after the divorce is finalized. If the paying spouse loses their job or the receiving spouse remarries or finds substantial employment, one party may request a modification of the original order. These post-judgment issues often require the help of an attorney to revisit the terms legally.

Blended Families and New Obligations

When either spouse starts a new family, the financial responsibilities to that new household can impact their willingness or ability to continue paying spousal support. However, California courts primarily prioritize the needs outlined in the original agreement, which can lead to further conflict.

Lack of Legal Representation

Trying to handle spousal support without legal counsel is another frequent cause of disagreements. Without proper guidance, spouses may agree to unfair terms or fail to consider long-term implications. We’ve seen how a lack of representation leads to future legal battles that could have been avoided.

Speak With An Experienced Legal Professional Today

Led by Matthew K. Skarin, a Certified Family Law Specialist and active Certified Public Accountant, our firm stands apart. As he is the only California attorney to hold this dual designation, our law group brings unmatched financial and legal expertise to every case, especially in high-net-worth divorces, business valuations, and complicated financial matters. Spousal support can be one of the most emotionally and financially taxing parts of a divorce. If you’re experiencing disagreements around alimony, it’s time to speak with a skilled spousal support lawyer. At Skarin Law Group, we combine decades of experience and a unique financial lens to help you protect your future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you reach a fair resolution.

Types of Spousal Support Lawyer Cases We Handle

Financial issues tied to divorce can be stressful, especially when long-term stability is on the line. Working with a Los Angeles, CA spousal support lawyer gives you a clear understanding of your rights and obligations while protecting your future. At Skarin Law Group, we offer the unique advantage of having both legal and financial insight on your side. Led by Matthew K. Skarin, a Certified Family Law Specialist and Certified Public Accountant, our firm stands apart. He is the only attorney in California to hold both titles, making our team particularly effective in high-net-worth, business, or asset-heavy cases. From short marriages to complicated long-term arrangements, we guide clients through every step of the process with careful strategy and clarity.

Temporary Spousal Support During Divorce

This type of support is awarded while the divorce is still pending. It helps maintain the standard of living for the lower-earning spouse during legal proceedings. We help determine a fair amount based on accurate financial disclosures and lifestyle history.

Long-term Or Post-judgment Support

Once a divorce is finalized, the court may order longer-term support, especially after long marriages or where there’s a large income gap. We assist clients in negotiating, securing, or contesting support terms that are fair and legally sustainable.

High-net-worth Spousal Support

When one or both spouses have substantial assets, investments, or layered income streams, support calculations require deeper financial review. A Los Angeles spousal support lawyer from our team understands the nuances of stock options, real estate portfolios, and capital gains that often come with high-income lifestyles.

Business Owner And Self-employed Income Cases

Self-employed individuals or business owners often have inconsistent or underreported income. Our team knows how to examine business records, tax filings, and cash flow to accurately establish earning capacity and calculate appropriate support obligations.

Modifying Existing Support Orders

When circumstances change such as job loss, retirement, illness, or remarriage modifying a spousal support order may be appropriate. We help clients prepare petitions to either raise, lower, or terminate payments, depending on their situation.

Enforcing Unpaid Spousal Support

If a former spouse has stopped making payments, we take legal action to enforce the existing order. This may involve wage garnishment, bank levies, or contempt proceedings. We also work to recover past-due support with interest, when applicable.

Support Involving Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreements

Spousal support terms are sometimes outlined in marital agreements. We evaluate whether these provisions are enforceable and represent clients seeking to uphold or challenge them based on how the agreement was created and current financial conditions.

Every support case is different, but each one deserves focused attention and clear financial analysis. At Skarin Law Group, we combine legal strength with a rare depth of financial understanding to help our clients reach the best possible outcomes. If you’re facing divorce or need help with an existing order, contact us to speak with a qualified Los Angeles spousal support lawyer today.