How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

When a couple has been legally separated or divorced, the court may order one spouse or domestic partner to provide the other with financial support of a fixed amount per month. Some refer to this financial support as alimony or spousal support. Determining the amount and details of support may require a divorce lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga. 

Providing spousal support can be a tricky legal issue. If you are the provider, you may ask how much monthly support you should give, or how long you should give financial support. Whether you’re giving or receiving spousal support, the team at The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock is here to help you 

Temporary vs. Permanent Alimony

Temporary alimony or spousal support order may be requested during the ongoing divorce case. This type of support is given to the spouse who earns less and is intended to support the spouse financially while the divorce trial is ongoing. This alimony is temporary because it ends as soon as the divorce case is over. 

On the other hand, permanent alimony begins when a final decision on the divorce case has been reached. It is long-term support to enable the supported spouse to maintain the standard of living they had during their marriage even after the divorce. 

Factors to Consider in Determining Spousal Support

If both parties can’t agree on permanent alimony, the couple will have to bring it to court to have the judge decide on the amount and duration of the spousal support. Several factors need to be considered to establish the alimony payments you may be eligible for, like the following: 

• Duration of the marriage 
• Education, training, and experience of the supported party
• Age and health of both parties 
• Earning capacity of the supporting party
• Childcare the party is responsible for

These details can help the judge make an informed decision about your case. If you’re unsure what evidence to bring forward that you need spousal support, talk to your spousal support lawyer about your options. 

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

The length of time you’re eligible for monthly spousal support can vary depending on several factors. For example, the length of your marriage and standard of living before marriage can impact how long alimony or support will last.  

Because of this, lifetime spousal support isn’t always available. The judge attending to their case will instead consider the factors cited above to determine how long it will take the supported spouse to support themself. The marital settlement agreement will contain this detail. 

Spousal support ends automatically when one of the spouses dies. Similarly, when the supported spouse remarries or finds a new domestic partner, the other spouse may stop the permanent alimony. However, the paying spouse has to prove that merits spousal support termination. 

Seek Help from a Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal support can help you support yourself and gain independence after marriage. But how long does your support last? The lawyers at The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock can help you get answers specific to your case. 

If you need a spousal support lawyer, reach out for a consultation with our team. Call us at 909-466-7661 or complete the following online contact form.