Our San Jose Alimony Lawyer Shares How To Get The Total Amount You Deserve

Spousal support, often referred to as alimony, may be awarded during and after a San Jose divorce. It helps those who make less than their spouse adjust financially in the aftermath and allows time to get the education or skills needed to reenter the workforce.

Getting spousal support awarded through the California Courts plays a significant role in divorce recovery. Our San Jose spousal support lawyer has extensive experience helping clients in these cases and explains how to get the total amount you deserve.

Are You Eligible For Spousal Support In San Jose?

If you are getting a divorce in San Jose, you and your spouse must submit financial declarations through the Santa Clara Family Court as part of these proceedings. In addition to determining the division of marital property and assets, the judge in your case will also use them to determine whether spousal support should be awarded.

If your spouse was the primary breadwinner, if you sacrificed your career for theirs, or if you otherwise make significantly less, you may be entitled to spousal support in San Jose. However, under Section 4320 of the California Family Code, other factors the court considers include:

• The length of your marriage;
• The age and health of each party;
• Your earning capacity;
• The standard of living you enjoyed during your time together;
• The amount of education, skills, and experience you need to reenter the workforce.

Getting The Maximum Amount In A San Jose Spousal Support Order

The California Courts warn that spousal support is a complex issue and that getting legal guidance is recommended. Between our thorough knowledge of state laws and how they apply in different situations and our extensive experience in handling these cases, our San Jose spousal support lawyer is a strong ally to have on your side. Steps you can take now that can help in getting the total amount you are entitled to include:

• Gather copies of past filed tax returns, which can help in accurately assessing their earnings;
• Inform your lawyer immediately about any hidden assets you suspect they have;
• Gather evidence regarding your lifestyle during the marriage, such as how often you dined out, attended social functions, traveled, and the amount you spent on clothes, personal care, hobbies, and other items;
• Avoid speaking to your spouse or trying to negotiate a settlement without your lawyer present;
• Set reasonable expectations and be able to show how alimony will help you get additional education or take other steps to get back on your feet financially after a divorce in San Jose.

To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our San Jose Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal support payments can help you support yourself and maintain your former lifestyle after a divorce. However, it is a complex legal issue to deal with on your own. To protect your rights and get the maximum amount you are entitled to in your divorce settlement, call or contact Argyris Mah, LLP online. Request a consultation today with our experienced San Jose spousal support lawyer today.

Sources:

santaclara.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-division

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4320.&nodeTreePath=11.3.2&lawCode=FAM

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/spousal-support