Whether you are seeking alimony from a former spouse or fighting to reduce or eliminate required spousal support payments, seeking the representation of an aggressive and experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney is critical to protecting your quality-of-life and your future financial well-being.

A judge had broad discretion in the amount and duration of spousal support he/she awards. Unlike child support payments, which are guided by a state-mandated formula, alimony is not guaranteed and, if awarded, there is no set schedule for determining payments. In general, short-term marriages (less than 10 years) in which one spouse earned the majority of income could result in alimony for up to half of the length of the marriage. In long-term marriages, alimony can be ordered for an indefinite period of time and it is not unusual for payments to be ordered to continue even into the retirement of one or both spouses.

Our Los Angeles divorce lawyers have extensive experience in representing clients in alimony cases. Determining the income used as a basis for support will be critical to seeking the best outcome possible on behalf of a client. Cases against a spouse who was the primary breadwinner also may require a thorough inventory of assets. Additional investment income, bonuses, business income or other assets can have a drastic impact on alimony payments.

Taxes play an important role in setting spousal support payments. Support is based on net disposable income, or income after taxes, and our attorneys understand and apply Federal income tax principles to determine net income.

Expenses also can figure prominently into a judge’s decision in awarding alimony. Having an experienced attorney can protect your rights in cases where a former spouse is claiming unreasonable expenses.

At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Jacobs, we focus exclusively on the representation of clients in all types of family law matters. If you are dealing with a divorce or alimony case in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Jacobs for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights.