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Los Angeles Spousal Support Attorney

Make Sure a Favorable Alimony Agreement Is Secured

At the Law Offices of Korol & Velen, our Los Angeles spousal support attorneys represent clients throughout the San Fernando Valley, the South Bay area, and across Southern California in spousal support and modification cases. 

The principal attorneys at our firm have been certified as family law specialists by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. What's more, our practice is dedicated to solely resolving divorce and family law concerns.

What is Spousal Support in California?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse or domestic partner to help cover the other's monthly expenses. It's intended to provide financial assistance for a spouse who needs it during the divorce process and for a period of time after the final divorce or legal separation. 

Formerly referred to as alimony, spousal support may continue after the conclusion of the divorce, depending on factors outlined in Section 4320 of the California Family Code. Spousal support is awarded in addition to any child support.

Either spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support to the other. For couples married less than ten years, the typical length of spousal support to be ordered is half the length of the marriage. In long-term marriages, permanent alimony can be awarded depending on the circumstances such as the spouse’s death or remarriage.

In awarding permanent spousal support, the judge considers many factors:

  • Each party’s income and earnings
  • Earning capacity
  • Age and health of the parties
  • Obligations and assets of each party
  • Duration of the marriage
  • Education, job skills, or occupations
  • Any financial sacrifices made by either party
  • Standard of living during the marriage

Our Los Angeles spousal support lawyers can answer your questions and fully explain the complexities of temporary or permanent alimony, as well as post-decree modifications to support agreements/court orders.

Can Spousal Support Be Modified in California? 

In order to qualify for a spousal support modification in California, either spouse needs to prove that there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:

  • The receiving party has become financially independent and no longer requires support.
  • The receiving party is remarrying and no longer qualifies for spousal support.
  • The providing party has had a decrease in income and can no longer afford to pay the agreed-upon amount.

When Does Spousal Support End in California?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is designed to provide financial assistance from one spouse to another, typically the higher-earning spouse, to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce.

Spousal support may end or be modified due to significant changes in circumstances for either spouse. These changes may include:

  • A substantial increase in the supported spouse's income.
  • A significant decrease in the supporting spouse's income, making it impossible to maintain the existing support payments.
  • Retirement of the supporting spouse, provided that it is reasonable and in good faith.
  • The supported spouse remarries.
  • The death of either spouse.

Consult a Spousal Support Lawyer Near You

If you are interested in modifying your current support order (or even ending alimony in California), our Los Angeles spousal support modification lawyers can help. Contact us today.


Call the Law Offices of Korol & Velen today at (818) 962-4669 for a consultation with a spousal support lawyer!


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