Yolo County Spousal Support Lawyer

At Ewing Law Group, PC, we are prepared to assist in your spousal support case. Our founders, Jason and Janet Ewing, have over 20 years of combined experience representing people throughout Yolo County and Northern California with their family law cases. We take a personal approach to our clients’ cases and can get you the results you deserve.

Spousal support, also known as alimony, involves one ex-spouse receiving monthly payments from the other. Alimony cases are a frequent element of divorce, with 30-40% of divorces in the last ten years including spousal support in the final agreements nationwide. It’s important to understand how spousal support works in California, as it may be relevant to your divorce.

California has two types of spousal support. The first is temporary spousal support, which only lasts while the divorce is being processed. This is used to address any immediate financial concerns if one spouse makes significantly more. Temporary spousal support can be quickly changed to match either spouse’s needs during divorce proceedings.

The second, more common type of alimony is long-term spousal support. This form of alimony only begins after the divorce case has been settled. Long-term support can be reserved, meaning that even if no support is required at the moment, the option is always available.

Spousal support has no set formula in California. Judges consider factors outlined in the California Family Code before settling on a final duration and payment amount. Some of these variables include:

• Length of marriage. How long spouses have been married plays a large role in deciding the duration of spousal support. Marriages that lasted 10 or more years are considered long-duration marriages. Short-duration unions may have a closer end date, whereas long-duration marriages can last much longer, if not indefinitely.
• Income level. Judges will assess the current income levels for both spouses before making a decision. If one spouse makes significantly more, the other spouse may be awarded support to maintain the same living standard.
• Earning capacity. This takes into account the ability of a spouse to support themselves. Age, health, marketable skills, and other variables contribute to someone’s income potential.
• Children. If there are children, the judge can consider who has custody and how raising a child affects the parents' earning capacity. Someone who quit their job to be a stay-at-home parent will have less immediate financial potential than an employed parent.
• Any other applicable details. Judges can consider any other relevant information about a case to decide on spousal support, such as any history of domestic violence.

Financial realities often change in the months and years after the initial spousal support agreement. Changes are common aspects of alimony cases, with 52% of cases in 2022 being either modified or terminated. The ex-spouse interested in changing their alimony agreement can submit a Request For Order with the Superior Court of California, County of Yolo, in Woodland.

Alimony laws and cases can be challenging to navigate on your own. Hire a spousal support lawyer who can represent your interests in the negotiations. Ewing Law Group, PC can aid in the process, whether you are looking to modify a current support case or establish one in your divorce agreement.

Q: What Is the Average Spousal Support Payment in California?

A: The average spousal support payment in California is not possible to accurately calculate due to how much alimony cases differ from one another. Financial circumstances, length of the marriage, location, and many other factors are considered by each judge. Two cases with similar income brackets may end up with different payment amounts. Ewing Law Group, PC, can provide an estimate for what your payment may be.    

Q: What Disqualifies You From Receiving Spousal Support in California?

A: Spousal support in California divorce cases is never guaranteed, with many things disqualifying someone from receiving support payments. A few examples include:

• Short marriage
• Financial self-sufficiency 
• A domestic violence conviction within the past five years
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• No reasonable efforts were made to achieve fiscal independence   

Ewing Law Group, PC, can review your case to determine whether you are eligible for spousal support.

Q: How Much Does a Spousal Support Lawyer Cost in Yolo County?

A: How much your spousal support lawyer will cost in Yolo County depends on the elements at play in your case. The complexity of your case, work hours required, and whether litigation is required can all play major roles in your final bill. Ewing Law Group, PC, can work with you to find the billing model or payment plan that fits with your financial situation.

Q: What Is the Rule of 65 for Spousal Support in California?

A: The rule of 65 for spousal support in California is an unofficial guideline that people can use to predict the duration of support. The rule of 65 is a simple formula where the supported spouse’s age is added to the length of the marriage. If the resulting number is sixty-five or more, then the odds of long-term support are higher. The rule of 65 is not a law or a substitute for legal counsel.

Our team at Ewing Law Group, PC, wants to help you in your spousal support case. We provide personal attention to our clients, a quick turnaround, and affordable rates with proven results. Alimony can be hard to handle, and we can resolve any issues that arise.

Contact Ewing Law Group, PC, today for an initial consultation so we can learn your story and start addressing your legal options. You can also visit our Roseville office—located on Sunrise Avenue, a few blocks from the 80.