Long Beach, CA asked in Divorce for California

Q: I was married for 28 years. I make 100K - she makes 30K. How long will I have to pay? Where can I find the rules?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
Mr. David Thomas Pisarra
Answered
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The law on this is that your marriage is one of "Long Duration" which means that it lasted more than 10 years and the court CAN maintain jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support for the lifetime of the parties.

In general, the goal of spousal support is to allow the parties to become self-sufficient and to maintain the marital standard of living. Depending on how long you have been making 100k, that may or may not be the marital standard of living. Depending on how long she has been making 30k that may or may not be the standard for her income.

These are highly complex issues, and it is why you should consult with an experienced family law attorney. There are specific factors that are used to determine what is the "fair" alimony/spousal support award but you need to speak with an attorney to know what they are and how they will effect your payments.

I discuss Spousal Support in my book, A MAN'S GUIDE TO DIVORCE STRATEGY available on Amazon.com, and as an e-book on my website, www.MensFamilyLaw.com.

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