Divorce is among the most complicated processes anyone can go through. Not only is divorce a complex emotional process, but it is also a very involved legal process that can have significant financial implications on a person as well. In many divorces, alimony factors in, and whether you’re looking to receive it or you think you’ll have to pay it, you most likely have several questions about it. Please continue reading and reach out to our skilled Los Angeles spousal support attorneys to learn more about how spousal support works and the tax implications it may have. Here are some of the questions you may have:
Will I have to pay spousal support in California?
For many, having to pay spousal support is a very serious financial concern after a divorce. That said, many spouses also truly require support to retain their standard of living and to help them become financially independent in the future. For this reason, courts will consider several factors when determining a spousal support agreement here in the state of California. Just some of those factors are as follows:
- The duration of your marriage
- The standard of living established in your marriage
- You and your spouse’s age and health
- You and your spouse’s yearly salaries
- The actual need for spousal support payments
- The ability of one spouse to make alimony payments
- Any other factor the court deems relevant
Am I allowed to write off spousal support on my taxes in California?
If you entered a divorce on or after December 31, 2018, you may no longer deduct alimony from your taxes if you pay it, and if you receive it, it can no longer be taxed as income, as per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. That said, if you got divorced before December 31, 2018, and you are still paying alimony, you likely are grandfathered in and may continue deducting alimony from your taxes.
If you have any further questions about how alimony works in California or you’d like to update/terminate your alimony agreement, please don’t hesitate to speak with a competent Los Angeles divorce attorney from Zitser Family Law Group, APC today. We are on your side, and we’re here to help you in any way we can.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm
For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need through any family law or divorce matter, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
