Tulare Spousal Support Lawyer

Tulare Spousal Support Attorney

Divorce can impact every aspect of your life. During a divorce, decisions must be made regarding your family, finances, and future plans. It is crucial to consider how spousal support will be determined and how it could affect your financial stability going forward. You need a Tulare spousal support lawyer to help walk you through the complexities of support calculation and agreement negotiations.

Spousal Support Lawyer in Tulare, CA

With over 23 years of experience, the Tulare spousal support lawyer of Carlos Navarrete Law Firm can help you navigate this stressful time by working to protect your rights and secure you a fair and desirable outcome. Our attorneys have extensive experience establishing fair settlement agreements that maintain financial stability for both parties.

Our attorneys hold a deep knowledge of California divorce law. We aim to ensure you understand all proceedings, next steps, and what rights you have over your assets. We want to help you navigate divorce proceedings as efficiently and fairly as possible.

Divorce Law in California

Divorce law components vary by state. In California, you can expect the process to take at least six months and involve four parts.

1. Initial paperwork.
2. Sharing financial information.
3. Make decisions.
4. Finalize the divorce.

If you have a written agreement, child custody issues, or if you have a “default divorce,” meaning that one spouse is not participating in the legal proceedings, these steps could be adjusted.

What Decisions Do You Make in a Divorce?

When you get to the decision-making stage of divorce process, it’s important to gather all the information. There may be some things you agree on, making it easier to write up an agreement. Being able to collaborate on the most mutually beneficial decision for both your needs provides you with the most legal power.

However, most divorces experience some amount of disagreement or strain. In this case, you’ll likely need a moderator, or attorney, to help maintain fairness.

As you work to agree on a settlement, you and your spouse must agree on terms that address the following:

• Child custody. Will you share joint custody or will one parent assume responsibility for the child/ren? What will shared parenting time look like?
• Child support. Courts have a specific guideline they follow for dividing child support payments, but parents are able to choose a different amount if both parties agree, provided it remains in the best interest of the child.
• Spousal support. Spouses must decide if either party should give or receive spousal support, how much, and for what length of time it will be paid. If a couple reaches an agreement, the courts will then approve the terms, provided they are fair, reasonable, and comply with all state laws.
• Property and debts. You’ll want to list everything you own and owe. The goal is to come to an agreement that divides all assets and debts equally.

What Are the Different Types of Spousal Support?

California categorizes spousal support into several distinct types based on how long the support is intended. Depending on the needs of each couple, courts in Tulare will choose between the following when establishing a spousal support agreement:

• Temporary support. This type of support is awarded to the lower-earning spouse as a means of helping them maintain financial stability during the divorce proceedings until everything is finalized. While other arrangements may be awarded later, courts may require temporary spousal support in various cases to address the immediate financial needs of the lower-earning spouse.
• Long-term support. Also known as permanent support, courts may award the lower-earning spouse with ongoing financial assistance in order to help maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage. While no period of time is specified in these arrangements, modifications can be made later, including termination depending on various factors.
• Rehabilitative support. This support is intended to help the receiving spouse become self-sufficient financially by awarding them enough support to build their earning capacity. This is typically awarded for a specified time and goes towards education and job training to help that spouse advance their career options.
• Lump-sum support. In some cases, one spouse is awarded a one-time spousal support payment. This arrangement can simplify obligations and avoid future disputes by providing an immediate contribution.

FAQs About Tulare, CA Spousal Support Laws

How Much Is Spousal Support in California?

The amount of spousal support granted in a California divorce varies from case to case. The standard formula used involves taking 50% of the lower earner’s income and subtracting that from 40% of the higher earner’s income. For example, if Spouse A makes $10,000 per month, and Spouse B makes $5,000 per month, the total amount of money owed to Spouse B in spousal support would be $1,500 per month.

How Do I Fight Spousal Support in California?

To fight spousal support, you’ll need to file a Request for Order and an Income and Expense Declaration with the courts. This will require supporting documents, such as income verification, bills, receipts, unemployment paperwork, and a letter from your employer.

You can also try to negotiate spousal support payments with your spouse. Once you both come to an agreement and sign the paperwork, a lawyer can review the agreement before it is signed by a judge.

Does the Husband Have to Pay for the Wife’s Divorce Lawyer in California?

No. In California, both parties pay their own attorney fees. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. The courts consider may determine that one spouse is required to pay the other’s attorney fees if:

• One spouse makes considerably more money than the other
• The spouse without custody of the children makes more money than the spouse with custody
• One spouse has caused delays in proceedings

Contact the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm Today

If you’re facing the unknowns of a divorce, let us help you navigate this stressful time. The Carlos Navarrete Law Firm offers comprehensive and compassionate representation. Contact our office today to arrange a one-on-one consultation with our experienced Tulare spousal support lawyer to learn how we can help you through this process.