When spouses get divorced, they often have a lot to consider. Terms of child support/custody, as well as terms of property distribution, are often at the forefront of a divorce. One of the most commonly contested issues of divorce is alimony. Alimony, also known as spousal support, typically comes in the form of monthly payments from the financially independent spouse to the financially dependant spouse. If you were financially dependent during the course of your marriage, you most likely require alimony to maintain the standard of living established during your marriage. However, if you and your spouse cannot immediately agree on alimony terms, though you don’t want to litigate these terms in court, you’re most likely wondering about your legal options going forward. Please continue reading and reach out to our Los Angeles divorce attorneys to learn more about how you and your spouse may be able to work out an alimony agreement outside of the courtroom setting.
Can my spouse and I make an alimony agreement without having to go to court?
In many cases, you can. For example, if you and your spouse are on speaking terms and believe you can reach a compromise with some guidance, you should consider speaking with an experienced divorce mediator. Essentially, a divorce mediator is an unbiased third party who will listen to both you and your spouse’s concerns, as well as analyze financial documentation and other information to get a fuller picture of your financial situation, and from there, work to establish a compromise that works for you both. Mediators can also be used to help reach compromises on a wide array of other divorce-related issues, including property distribution, child support, child custody, and more. The main benefit of divorce mediation is that it often helps couples reach an outcome that works for them both, all while avoiding the courtroom setting, which frequently makes for a more contentious atmosphere.
If you cannot come to an agreement regarding alimony terms with a mediator, alimony terms will be litigated and ultimately decided upon by a judge. If you are someone who would like to avoid this and you think you and your spouse can work together with the assistance of a mediator, please do not hesitate to speak with our experienced California divorce lawyers today. We are here to help you in any way we can.
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.
