Spousal Support
Ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law
San Francisco Spousal Support Attorneys
Helping Bay Area Clients Secure Fair and Sustainable Agreements
During or after a divorce, one spouse may be ordered to provide financial support to the other. Known as spousal support, spousal maintenance, or alimony, these payments are intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably close to what was enjoyed during the marriage. At Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC, our San Francisco spousal support lawyers represent clients throughout the Bay Area, ensuring that support orders are fair, accurate, and based on California’s legal guidelines. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, our experienced family law attorneys can help you reach an equitable outcome that protects your long-term financial well-being.
How Spousal Support Is Determined in California
Courts consider numerous factors when deciding whether to award spousal support — and in what amount. According to California Family Code §4320, the judge will evaluate:
- Each spouse’s current income and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s contributions to the household or career of the other
- The ability of the supporting spouse to pay
- The needs of each party, based on the marital lifestyle
Even when both spouses agree that support is appropriate, disputes often arise over how much should be paid and for how long. Our attorneys help clients negotiate reasonable terms or advocate for them in court when necessary.
Duration of Spousal Support Orders
The length of the marriage plays a key role in determining how long support lasts:
- Short-term marriages (under 10 years): Support typically lasts up to half the length of the marriage.
- Long-term marriages (10 years or more): Courts have discretion to set the duration, which can sometimes be indefinite if one spouse needs ongoing support.
California law encourages the receiving spouse to work toward self-sufficiency, which may include pursuing education, training, or employment opportunities.
Modifying Spousal Support Orders
Life changes — and when it does, a spousal support order may need to change too. A court will only approve a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as:
- A major increase or decrease in income
- Job loss or retirement
- The receiving spouse becoming self-supporting
- Health or disability issues affecting either party
Our Bay Area family law attorneys can help you petition for or oppose a modification, ensuring any changes are legally justified and financially appropriate.
Protect Your Financial Future
The outcome of your spousal support case can impact your financial security for years to come. With over 300 years of combined family law experience and multiple Certified Family Law Specialists, the team at Holstrom, Block & Parke provides strategic, compassionate representation designed to achieve fairness — not conflict. We proudly serve clients across San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Contra Costa, and surrounding Bay Area counties. Whether you’re negotiating, enforcing, or modifying a support order, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. Contact our San Francisco spousal support attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation and secure your financial future.
