Divorces are often very difficult to deal with. You’re tasked with deciding on a myriad of matters, including but not limited to spousal support, property division, and child custody, while simultaneously working through a mess of emotions.
Even in an uncontested or amicable divorce where emotions are not heightened, there’s still a lot of decisions to make and papers to sign. Reaching an agreement and finalizing things could take several months in the best of cases.
That’s why it’s important to take advantage of every resource available to you during what is often the most difficult time in a person’s life.
What is Spousal Support?
Of the many things you’ll need to hash out, spousal support is a big one. Also known as alimony, spousal support refers to the money one spouse pays to another, usually the lower earning or lower earning potential spouse, during the divorce to help them live a life consistent with the quality they enjoyed during the marriage.
In California, spousal support may be temporary or permanent, and the amount and frequency will often be based on numerous factors including the length of the marriage, earning potential of each spouse, the standard of living during the marriage, and the age and health of each spouse.
Types of Spousal Support Services
If you’re trying to work out the details regarding spousal support, you might need a little support of your own to get through.
Mediation services are helpful during the early stages of the divorce. It involves bringing in a neutral third party, who will guide a negotiation and help the couple reach an agreement out of court. Settling spousal support matters during mediation is cost-effective and saves time, but is not always realistic if the two involved parties are unable to compromise and reach an agreement on their own.
The next spousal support service is arguably the most important– legal services. Legal services involve hiring an attorney to help navigate the process of divorce and spousal support, as well as providing representation in court hearings. If mediation fails, consulting a qualified family law attorney is highly recommended.
Finally, there are counseling services available for those struggling with divorce. Whether they are working through the stress of deciding spousal support or dealing with any of the many other emotionally-charged matters pertaining to divorce, a professional will help them cope with the emotional and psychological element of divorce, as well as provide strategies to work through it.
Figuring out an appropriate spousal support arrangement is tough, but seeking support services will help simplify it and help you reach the optimal outcome.
Bagner Law, PC
If you need excellent representation in the East Bay area, contact Bagner Law, PC today. They specialize in family law, especially matters pertaining to divorce and spousal support. With their professional assistance and expert insight, you will have an invaluable resource and the best representation available.
Find out more by contacting Bagner Law, PC today!
