As is the case in most states, CA has spousal support built into the family law code. Also referred to as alimony, this type of financial support is usually provided by one party to the other after the divorce is finalized. The idea behind alimony is that it’s meant to help the other party get back on their feet after such a drastic change in their financial landscape. 

Despite its reputation as a punitive action against one party, spousal support is a complicated topic with many caveats to consider. The family law courts aim to create an equal and fair situation, which is influenced by a variety of factors. Alimony itself can come in a variety of forms depending on the facts at hand. Here’s 5 of the main types of spousal support you should be familiar with in CA.

Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is, as the name suggests, temporary and not a guarantee of long-term alimony. It’s often awarded during the divorce proceedings themselves to help a person handle their finances while the divorce resolution is pending. This type of support is categorically different to post-divorce alimony. 

Permanent Alimony

This is what people often think of when they think of spousal support. Permanent alimony isn’t perpetual, but rather the legal name for a post-divorce alimony with set amounts and durations. The final arrangement is determined by looking at all relevant factors in any given divorce and can vary greatly from divorce to divorce. 

Gross Alimony

Gross alimony is different from permanent alimony in that the payment is made in one lump sum rather than via regular payments over a determined period of time. Gross alimony is often the result of asset division as the courts assess ways to equally distribute assets and debts.

Reimbursement Alimony

This is a form of “repayment” meant to compensate one party for supporting the other during marriage. Meant to make that person whole, it can include things such as paying for the education of a spouse who might have divorced them shortly after, etc..

Rehabilitative Alimony 

This type of alimony is short-term and designed to help one person get back on their feet. Examples of this can include funds to help them go back to school, further their professional training, and more. This is often awarded in cases where one partner gave up their career and earning potential for the sake of the marriage.

Consult With Our Experienced Divorce Attorneys Today

We hope this quick breakdown of the main types of spousal support help provide some answers and debunk some myths. As far as specific, tailored advice goes, your best bet is to check in with a qualified family law attorney. 

Do you have questions about alimony, child support, or the divorce process in CA? If so, we invite you to reach out to us directly at R & S Law Group! Call us at (949) 825-5245 to connect with our team of CA divorce attorneys today.