Spousal support can have a significant impact on your financial future. Stephen Cawelti helps clients seeking or paying support understand what California law requires and work toward a fair, sustainable outcome.
Long-term spousal support in California isn’t determined by a single guideline formula. Courts weigh a range of factors—from income and earning capacity to the length of the marriage, marital standard of living, and each spouse’s financial circumstances.
The challenge? Knowing how those factors apply to the unique circumstances of your case. With more than 20 years practicing family law, Stephen Cawelti has extensive experience navigating complex financial issues in divorce. He helps clients understand what may affect their support obligation/award and develops a strategy tailored to their specific circumstances.
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California has two primary types of spousal support: temporary and long-term. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect at each stage of your divorce.
Support while your divorce is pending
Temporary spousal support may be ordered while a divorce or legal separation is underway. Courts may use a guideline formula as a starting point to determine the amount.
Support after the divorce
Long-term spousal support may be ordered as part of the final divorce judgment. Rather than relying on a single guideline formula, the court considers a range of factors under California law, including the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and marital standard of living.
There is no single formula for determining long-term spousal support. California courts look at the circumstances of the marriage and each spouse’s financial situation when deciding whether support is appropriate, how much should be paid, and how long it should last.
View all factors California courts consider under Family Code §4320