People preparing for divorce often need to think carefully about their finances. Community property rules in California can leave much of someone’s personal wealth at risk during a divorce. Their future income could also be subject to court-ordered obligations.
Spouses in California sometimes have an obligation to provide spousal support or alimony payments after a divorce. Those preparing for divorce often have questions about alimony. After all, the payments that they need to make or hope to receive could have a major impact on their budgets.
What do people generally need to know about alimony payments when filing for California divorce?
How long payments may last
One of the first questions people have about alimony is how long they can count on receiving payments or how long they have to make them. The main consideration in such cases is how long the marriage lasted. The longer the marriage lasts, the longer one spouse may have to provide financial support for the other. Under current California rules, marriages that last less than 10 years usually result in alimony orders for half the duration of the marriage. If the marriage lasts more than 10 years, the duration of alimony can be as long as a judge deems it appropriate. Factors including the house and economic circumstances of the spouses influence what a judge believes might be appropriate.
How much monthly alimony payments might be
Some states have a straightforward formula for alimony. California does not. Instead, judges look at a variety of different factors to determine what might be appropriate and fair. Especially in cases that require long-term alimony, the amount the judge may award can be hard to predict. The main considerations include the need of the spouse requesting alimony and the ability of the other spouse to pay. Judges look at the standard of living during the marriage and often what the lower-earning or dependent spouse may require to become independent.
Spouses concerned about the uncertainty of alimony obligations can take control by negotiating a settlement. Those moving forward with uncontested divorces can set their own terms. Either way, learning more about California’s unique rules for alimony and other economic concerns can help people prepare for life after divorce.
