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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:
This also involves more complicated financial questions that do not necessarily have concrete answers, such as:
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.
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.
The Schoenberg Family Law Group, P.C. has nearly 40 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.
"I was seeking a reputable family law firm for my prenuptial agreement and received high praise for the Schoenberg Law Group. My attorney listened to my questions and responded to them very patiently. She also paid close attention all my concerns and made sure I was aware of the legal value of the agreement I was about to sign. It was…”
D.R.“It has been a real blessing to find this family law group in my life. I was in the middle of a custody battle with my ex wife and had a lawyer who had sided with my ex wife’s lawyer. I was faced with the option of paying to a regular lawyer to do half jobs with no results or to invest a bit more for a top family counselor who understood my situation and at the same time not giving me false hopes."
A.L."I hesitated filing papers for a long time because I was not sure if I could survive a long legal battle. When we were married, my husband worked while I raised the children, two under four years old, and I was afraid I would lose the stability they needed. I had a wonderful group of friends that helped me search for a reputable law firm that could represent me when my focus was on my children. They found the"
L.A.We are trial lawyers who litigate high-conflict, high-stakes cases. While we try to build on mediation efforts and exhaust opportunities for a negotiated agreement, emotions, egos and various other realities often force these disputes into court. It is critical to work with a firm that knows how to apply the law and the facts in your favor, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
Debra Schoenberg was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Designated as a Certified Family Law Specialist by the State of California Board of Legal Specialization
Board-Certified Family Law Trial Specialist by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA)
One of California’s Top Family Lawyers for five consecutive years: 2022–2026
SFLG Voted #1 Family Law Firm in California for six consecutive years: 2021 - 2026
One of the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times
“My goal is to preserve your dignity and your humanity throughout what can be a very difficult and painful process, while at the same time achieving a favorable outcome on your behalf.”
Over 400 Years of Collective Family Law Experience
Debra R. Schoenberg
Owner & Founder
Lily Huang
Senior Associate
Kimia Kojouri
Associate
Miho Takarada
Senior Counsel