Specifically in California, disqualification might result from several key factors. One such factor is a significant change in the financial status of the recipient spouse, such as acquiring a new job or receiving an inheritance, which could render them financially independent and no longer in need of support.
California doesn't use a "calculator" for determining the amount of long-term spousal support. Instead, judges must decide how much to award after they've considered all of the following circumstances: each spouse's needs, based on the standard of living they had during the marriage.
California judges apply a “ten-year rule” when deciding alimony matters during a divorce. Marriages that last less than ten years are considered short-term marriages. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, alimony payments for short-term marriages do not exceed one-half of the duration of the marriage.
There are a few basic steps that you can take to help avoid paying alimony after divorce in California. These include: Spousal support is not automatic: One of the most important things to understand about spousal support is that it is not automatic.
How to ask for spousal support Fill out the Request for Order form. Request for Order (form FL-300) ... Fill out the Income and Expense Declaration. Income and Expense Declaration (form FL-150). Attach documents to support your case. Make copies of your forms. File your forms.
The guideline states that the paying spouse's support be presumptively 40% of his or her net monthly income, reduced by one-half of the receiving spouse's net monthly income. If child support is an issue, spousal support is calculated after child support is calculated.
Misconduct: Certain behaviors can also lead to the disqualification of alimony. For instance, if a spouse is found to have engaged in financial misconduct, such as hiding assets or failing to disclose financial information during the divorce proceedings, this can result in disqualification.
To avoid alimony, make sure that the other party is self-sustaining. If they have the skills and/or education level to make a substantial income, then they won't need alimony.