The citizen spouse must sign a contract (I-864) with the Federal government promising to support the non-citizen spouse financially. In most cases, even if the couple divorces, the citizen spouse must continue to support the non-citizen spouse.
One of the most important things to consider when pursuing a cross-border divorce is whether it will be recognized in the United States. California courts will not accept a foreign divorce unless one of the spouses had a domicile in that country. California law defines a domicile as a “true, fixed, permanent home and ...
The key factors analyzed in an alimony decision are each spouse's income, ability to earn and standards of living established during the marriage. If there is a history of violence, abuse or certain criminal convictions, however, this could bar a spouse from receiving alimony payments under California law.
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.
The courts in many California counties use a formula as a guideline for calculating the amount of temporary spousal support. These guidelines vary, but one common formula for the monthly amount of support is 40% of the high earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the low earner's net monthly income.
Since the goal is to protect mutual standards of living, if your ex remarries or finds themselves once again in a steady double-income household, you may no longer be required to maintain or begin alimony payments.
Someone doesn't have to be a US citizen. The qualifications to draw a spouse benefit in that scenario is age at least 62, have a spouse who draws SS and have been in the US LEGALLY for at least five years.
Typically, this obligation continues until your spouse becomes a U.S. citizen, accrues 40 qualifying work quarters in the U.S. (roughly 10 years), permanently departs the country, or passes away.