Divorce is often a complicated legal process. In many cases, couples disagree on the terms of their divorce, such as how property will be divided, how child custody will work, and how much, if any, should be awarded in child support or alimony. Typically, when it comes to alimony, we seldom imagine a woman paying alimony to a man. That being said, what happens when a man is a financially dependent spouse? Read on and reach out to our experienced California divorce attorneys to learn more about whether a man can receive alimony after a divorce. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Can a man receive alimony after a divorce?
The first thing you should understand is that alimony is gender-blind. This means that yes, a man can receive alimony after a divorce. Any spouse who can prove that they are financially dependent may qualify for alimony. In fact, it’s worth noting that in today’s day and age, more men are receiving alimony from their former spouses than ever.
How is alimony determined?
As you can imagine, courts will consider a wide array of factors when determining an alimony structure. Just some of the most common factors that go into determining alimony in California are as follows:
- Each spouse’s age and health
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s yearly income
- The actual need and ability to pay alimony
- Each spouse’s earning potential
- Whether there is a child custody/support agreement in place
Can alimony ever be terminated?
Yes. In most cases, spouses are not awarded alimony indefinitely. Typically, alimony will have a predetermined end date. This can be anywhere from months to years. Additionally, alimony may be modified or terminated early under certain circumstances as well. For example, if the spouse receiving alimony gets a new, higher-paying job or remarries, he or she may no longer require alimony and the supporting spouse may request that the alimony agreement be terminated on this basis.
If you believe that you qualify for alimony or you are looking to modify an initial alimony agreement, please do not hesitate to speak with our experienced Los Angeles divorce attorneys to learn more about these agreements and how our firm can assist you. We are on your side.
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.