There are few issues more critical during the divorce process than those involving alimony. Oftentimes, the financially dependent spouse will require the financially independent spouse to provide them with alimony payments for a given period of time. That being said, the goal isn’t to give one spouse a permanent source of income; instead, the goal is to provide the dependent spouse with a certain amount of income until he or she is financially independent. If you are someone who currently makes these payments to your former spouse, you are most likely wondering when they end, especially if you believe your former spouse no longer requires these payments for support. Please continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce attorneys to learn more about when you can stop paying alimony in the state of California. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do California courts determine alimony agreements?
Courts in California will consider several different factors when determining alimony agreements. Some of the most important factors considered at this time are as follows:
- The duration of the marriage
- The standard of living established in the marriage
- Tax implications
- The child custody/support agreement in place
- Both spouses’ yearly salaries
- Both spouses’ age and health
- Whether both spouses are in the workforce
- Both spouses’ earning potential
- Both spouses’ education
- Any other factor the courts deem relevant
What circumstances may qualify for an alimony modification?
In the months or years following you reaching an alimony agreement, you may find that the initial agreement no longer reflects you or your former spouse’s situation in life. For example, if your former spouse got a new, higher-paying job, hit the lottery, or is otherwise financially independent, this may qualify for a post-judgment modification, thereby terminating your alimony agreement. Additionally, if your former spouse is now remarried or is otherwise cohabiting with another person, you may also request a termination of your alimony agreement. If you can prove that your former spouse is purposefully avoiding getting a job, or is purposefully working minimal hours and not attempting to become self-sufficient, you may also request a modification to your agreement. Conversely, if one spouse becomes seriously ill and requires expensive medical treatment, gets demoted, or otherwise has a significant change in financial circumstances, a modification may be in order. For any further questions, give us a call today. We are here to help.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm
Divorce and family law issues are notoriously complicated and personal, which is why you must hire an attorney with years of experience, as well as the compassion and skill needed to handle these sensitive matters. For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
