Spousal Support Lawyers in Irvine
Dealing with a spousal support (known colloquially as alimony) dispute can be stressful and emotionally charged. Whether you are seeking support from your former spouse or contesting a request, having experienced legal guidance can help you understand your rights, options, and potential outcomes.
Our lawyers provide steady guidance during these sensitive situations, working closely with clients to develop practical and respectful strategies that protect their interests. Since 1987, Michel & Rhyne has worked with spouses in the Irvine area providing clear communication, realistic expectations, and structured support throughout the process. With virtual consultations available, you can access guidance in the way that’s most convenient for you.
We are certified family law specialists, and our team has more than seven decades of combined family law experience. This background allows us to approach spousal support disputes with insight and perspective. You’ll be able to work directly with attorneys who focus on long-term outcomes rather than unnecessary conflict, striving to create plans that reflect your unique circumstances and goals.
Call (949) 666-7346 or contact us online today.
The Underlying Purpose Behind Spousal Support
The reason one spouse may be required to make regular payments to the other after divorce is to provide a smoother transition from marriage and possible financial dependence to single life and financial independence.
Spousal support is not intended as a penalty to the supporting spouse and is not automatically part of every divorce. Alimony considerations are more common in cases involving longer marriages, where one spouse may have had limited earning capacity or been financially dependent during the relationship.
Calculating Alimony in an Orange County Divorce
Determining whether spousal support is appropriate, and the amount and duration, is a discretionary process handled by the court. Our attorneys are familiar with the factors courts consider and can help you understand how those factors might influence a case.
Common considerations include:
- Marriage length. Longer marriages may lead to longer support periods.
- Standard of living. Courts consider the lifestyle each spouse enjoyed during the marriage.
- Ability to maintain lifestyle. Each spouse’s financial capability to continue their accustomed standard of living is assessed.
- Childcare obligations. The effect of employment or earning potential on raising children is considered.
- Age and health. Both the physical ability and age of each spouse can influence support determinations.
- Relative assets and debts. The financial resources and obligations of each spouse are factored into the calculations.
The Types of Spousal Support Available in California
California law recognizes different forms of spousal support, depending on the specific circumstances of the divorce. These include:
- Temporary support (pendente lite). Ordered during the divorce process to help a spouse maintain stability until the case is finalized.
- Rehabilitative support. Short-term support designed to help a spouse gain education or training to become self-supporting.
- Permanent or long-term support. Typically awarded in cases involving lengthy marriages or when one spouse is unlikely to become financially independent.
- Reimbursement support. Compensates a spouse who supported the other’s education or career development during the marriage.
Lawyers You Can Rely On
Understanding spousal support and how it may apply to your situation can feel complex, but the right legal guidance makes it more manageable. We’re located near the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Jamboree Road in Irvine, with immediate access to four major freeways, and serve clients throughout Orange County.
Michel & Rhyne offers free initial consultations, during which we provide a clear explanation of your options, help you weigh your decisions, and develop strategies that align with your specific goals.
Call (949) 666-7346 today.