Navigating Rehabilitative Alimony in a California Divorce
Rehabilitative alimony, or long-term support, is a common form of spousal support in California, but many spouses are unfamiliar with this concept. Whether you stand to receive or pay spousal support in the Golden State, it helps to gain a cursory understanding of rehabilitative alimony.
To learn more about rehabilitative alimony, consider a consultation with Knez Law Group, LLP. This established family law firm in Riverside has assisted numerous spouses with divorce-related issues – including spousal support. A family enterprise, Knez Law Group, LLP, includes experienced Riverside family lawyers such as Matthew J. Knez and Andrew J. Knez. Rehabilitative alimony is a complex subject, and the best way to approach it may depend on your family’s unique circumstances. Discuss these circumstances in more detail with our experienced divorce attorneys in Riverside.
What is Rehabilitative Alimony in California?
Rehabilitative alimony does not provide spouses with financial support into the foreseeable future. Instead, it provides spouses with enough stability to regain financial independence – and nothing more. The goal is to place the spouses in the standard of living that they enjoyed during the marriage and to help spouses re-enter the workforce – especially those who have not earned income for the duration of the marriage. These often include parents who took on the role of a stay-at-home parent or homemaker.
How Do I Get Rehabilitative Alimony in California?
Rehabilitative Alimony, or long-term support, is presumed for marriages of 10 years or more. The standard of living is determined by the factors set forth in the Family Code section 4320. According to the California Courts Self-Help Guide, alimony lasts a “reasonable amount of time” based on how long it takes for the receiving spouse to become “self-supporting.” This type of alimony is quite common in California, and your lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible. That being said, you might have to submit some kind of plan to the family law judge. This plan may include details on how you plan to become self-sufficient.
Even if the family law judge does not require you to submit a plan, it is worth creating one anyway. You should know that by definition, rehabilitative alimony will eventually end – and it makes sense to become financially independent as quickly as possible. This might involve going back to school, renewing past certifications, and re-entering the job market.
Can I Reduce My Rehabilitative Alimony Payments?
If you are tasked with paying rehabilitative alimony, you may take various steps to reduce or eliminate these payments at a later date. If your ex is not making a “good faith effort” to regain financial independence, a family court may decide to end all further payments.
Other changes in circumstances may also end all alimony payments. For example, you can generally end these obligations if your ex starts living with a new romantic partner. Speak with a lawyer for more information on how and when you might end alimony payments.
Contact an Established Riverside Family Law Firm Today
An effective rehabilitative alimony strategy is essential, whether you are paying or receiving spousal support. Fortunately, you are not alone in this process – and you can work with experienced divorce lawyers in Riverside to approach rehabilitative alimony in a highly strategic manner. Consider reaching out to Knez Law Group, LLP, to continue this important discussion alongside our Riverside divorce attorneys. Call 951-742-7681 to get started.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He then pursued his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, California, where he earned various awards, including the CALI Award in Torts, and was on the Dean’s List. During his time in law school, Mr. Knez was a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic, working with individuals seeking asylum in the United States from countries where they faced persecution or threats of persecution. Additionally, he was an Associate Editor for the Law Review and published an article on California family custody move-away cases. Learn more here.