Spousal Support & Alimony Attorney in Sacramento

Alimony Representation in Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

The financial aspects of divorce often bring uncertainty and stress. Spousal support, or alimony, is one of the most complex and frequently disputed issues. At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, we focus on providing clear information and direct legal guidance to help you understand how spousal support works in California and prepare for what lies ahead.

Our firm operates through a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck approach. When you work with us, you benefit from the combined insight of our entire team. We examine the financial details of your case, develop sound strategies, and prepare clear arguments. This method supports thorough and thoughtful representation, whether you're requesting support or expected to pay.

We prioritize building genuine relationships with our clients, approaching each case honestly and carefully. By listening to your story and understanding your financial picture, we can work with you to pursue a fair outcome that supports your ability to move forward.

For straightforward guidance from a spousal support and alimony attorney in Sacramento, call (916) 957-1302 or contact us online to schedule a virtual consultation.

How California Courts Determine Spousal Support

In California, spousal support is not calculated using a simple, rigid formula. Unlike child support, which is primarily determined by a statewide guideline, a judge has broad discretion when making a final spousal support order. To do so, the court must carefully weigh a series of factors outlined in California Family Code § 4320. The goal is to arrive at an amount and duration that is just and equitable based on the specific circumstances of your marriage.

Our role is to help you gather the necessary financial information and present a clear case to the court based on the factors most relevant to your situation. 

Some of the key factors the court will consider include:

• Length of the marriage. This is one of the most significant factors. In California, a marriage of 10 years or more is generally considered a "marriage of long duration," which can affect how long support payments may last.
• The standard of living established during the marriage. The court will consider the lifestyle you and your spouse shared to determine the needs of each party.
• Each party’s ability to pay and earning capacity. The court examines both spouses' income, assets, and ability to earn to determine if the supporting party can pay and if the supported party can become self-sufficient.
• The age and health of each party. These factors can impact an individual's ability to work and support themselves.
• The supported party’s marketable skills. The court will assess whether the supported spouse has the skills to find employment and may consider the time and expense needed for education or training to become self-supporting.
• Any history of domestic violence. A documented history of domestic violence between the parties can significantly impact the court's decision on spousal support.

The Different Types of Spousal Support Orders

The most common types of spousal support in California are temporary and long-term support. 

Temporary spousal support is ordered while the divorce is still pending. Its purpose is to maintain the financial status quo and ensure the lower-earning spouse can meet their financial needs during the legal process. This amount is often determined using a local court’s support calculation software.

Long-term spousal support, sometimes called "permanent" support, is the order included in your final divorce judgment. The term "permanent" can be misleading; it does not always mean payments will last forever. 

For marriages lasting less than 10 years, the law presumes that support should be paid for a period equal to one-half the length of the marriage. For marriages of extended duration (10 years or more), the court typically does not set a firm end date. It retains the ability to review support indefinitely. In many cases, support is intended to be rehabilitative, providing the receiving spouse with the resources to gain skills or education to re-enter the workforce and become self-sufficient.