Child Support & Spousal Support

It is very common for those involved in divorce proceedings to be concerned about how they are going to support themselves and their children during and after the divorce?

The lawyers at Patterson Law Firm take pride in carefully reviewing your case, finding out what financial support is necessary and then giving you a range of options available.

CHILD SUPPORT

Child support is meant to help pay for the everyday needs of your child. California courts use a child support guideline program to determine the amount of child support. There are many factors the court inputs into the computer program to calculate the proper amount of child support monies. Primary factors include the income of both parents, the amount of time both parents spend with the child and the number of children in need of support. If a party is not employed, the court may consider each party’s earning ability.

The calculation of child support is complex. Patterson Law Firm has extensive experience in defining the factors considered by the court and structuring a resolution to meet your financial needs.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT

The court may also order spousal support payable by one spouse to the other during the dissolution process and possibly continuing after the dissolution is complete.

Generally, a marriage of less than 10 years requires a support obligation for one-half the term of the marriage. The court may use its discretion, however, to deviate from this general rule. For marriages of 10-plus years, the spousal support obligation will generally continue without the court defining a termination date.

Courts consider the parties’ standard of living during the marriage, the supported spouse’s needs and the financial ability to pay spousal support when determining the amount. The court may also order the supported spouse to make a reasonable effort to contribute to their own financial support.

Patterson Law Firm will assist you in evaluating all factors that must be considered in determining spousal support.