Many California couples earn disparate incomes. As such, if they decide to divorce, one spouse may seek support from the other. The courts typically consider numerous factors in determining whether the grant alimony and, if so, how much, including the standard of living the parties enjoyed as a couple. If a court fails to weigh an important factor when making its decision, though, there may be grounds for reversing its ruling. Recently, a California court discussed what issues the courts weigh in spousal support disputes in a case in which it ultimately denied the wife’s request for increased alimony. If you want to learn more about spousal support under California law, it is wise to confer with a trusted Bay Area spousal support lawyer.
History of the Case
It is alleged that the husband and wife separated in 2013 after 26 years of marriage. They had five children during their marriage. They divorced in 2015 when two of their children were still minors. The court ordered the husband, who worked as an airline pilot, to pay child support and spousal support to the wife, who did not work. In 2016, one of the minor children reached the age of majority, and the wife moved for additional spousal support. The court granted her motion.
Reportedly, in 2020, the second child reached the age of majority, and the wife again sought an increase in spousal support, arguing, among other things, that the amount she received was inadequate to allow her to uphold the standard of living she enjoyed during the marriage. The husband opposed her motion, asserting that the standard of living was the product of unreasonable spending. The court denied the wife’s motion, and she appealed. Continue Reading ›