Skilled Alimony Attorneys in San Mateo, CA
Determining Alimony in San Mateo
If both spouses cannot come to a mutual agreement regarding spousal support, the final determination may be left to the courts. This requires an exhaustive analysis of the financial relationships between the two parties, including any circumstances or situations that may put one at a financial disadvantage.
Through this analysis, a judge may take a number of factors into consideration, including:
- The duration of the marriage
- The general age and health of each spouse
- The income and expenses of each spouse
- Any property shared or otherwise owned by each property
- Any immediate effects on taxes for each spouse
This also involves more complicated financial questions that do not necessarily have concrete answers, such as:
- The earning capacity of each spouse, which includes a closer look at the marketable skills of each, the job market for these, and any other job training or education required to achieve regular employment.
- Inequality of hardships between each spouse, if any exists
- Any financial support contributed by the one spouse to the other for job training, education, or professional certifications
- Any history of domestic violence by either spouse
Because this process is so thorough, alimony judgments are not easily modified. Having proper, exhaustive documentation of finances and any related factors is essential to receiving a fair judgment, whether you are the party paying support or the party receiving support. In these cases, it is always best to retain legal counsel and consider your options for alimony.
Resources for Spousal Support in San Mateo County
The San Mateo County Superior Court provides a number of resources available to those who need assistance with alimony. Most notably, the Family Law Facilitator’s Office provides free services to any spouses who do not have legal representation. They currently have office hours in two locations:
Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records
2nd Floor
400 County Center
Redwood City, CA
Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Northern Branch: Hall of Justice
1050 Old Mission Rd.
South San Francisco, CA
Office Hours:
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
It is important to note that counsel and support is offered at both locations on a first come, first served basis. Because this is a valuable resource for those without a private attorney, there can often be long lines and wait times as a result. Additionally, the Family Law Facilitator can assist in spousal support, but only calculates this based on California State guidelines, which can often overlook or outright omit any specific contributing circumstances or factors.
Thus, while the Family Law Facilitator may seem like an ideal starting point, it is highly recommended to consult a legal professional before commencing the alimony process. The Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. can offer a thorough, comprehensive look at the factors determining spousal support, and maximize your needs and priorities to ensure that the end result is fair for all parties involved.
Contact an Experienced San Mateo Family Lawyer Today
The Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. has more than 35 years of experiences in the field of family law in San Mateo, including alimony and spousal support in San Mateo County. We are passionate in our representation, ensuring that your needs are of the utmost priority. Coming to a fair decision in spousal support can be a complicated process that requires an incredible amount of research, analysis, and data gathering. The attorneys at the Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. diligently work on your case with open communication and transparency in mind, so you know you are reaching a settlement that is optimal for both you and your spouse.
Please contact us online or call (650) 761-9523 to discuss your options regarding alimony and spousal support in San Mateo County.
