Spousal Support Modification

Spousal support, also referred to as "alimony" in the state of California, is a monthly payment made by an independent spouse to a dependent spouse after a divorce or during a separation.  In the past, spousal support was usually made by husbands to their ex-wives, but now that has changed as more and more wives are being asked to pay their ex-husbands alimony.  Whoever the court deems as "independent" will be responsible for making monthly support payments.  Typically, the spouse that is classified as independent will be the primary bread winner and will have a responsibility to make sure that the dependent spouse's day-to-day expenses are covered, such as expenses related to housing, food and clothing.

Generally, spousal support will be awarded on a short-term or long-term basis.  If a marriage was lengthy, chances are that the independent spouse will be ordered to pay lifetime alimony.  Additionally, the amount of spousal support and the length of payment will depend upon the dependent spouse's:

• age
• education
• role during the marriage
• income
• assets
• health

Paying spousal support can present many challenges to independent spouses and may even seem a bit unfair.  Yet, the law places this requirement on spouses who have appropriate means.  However, anytime an independent spouse's financial means change for the better or for the worse, spousal support payments may be modified.  For example, if an independent spouse loses his or her job, he or she may seek spousal support modification by working with a Murrieta family law attorney, such as the attorneys at Singleton Smith Law Offices.