Getting Spousal Support as a Working Wife

Here’s everything you need to know about if a working wife is eligible for alimony. Eligibility varies on individual circumstances such as length of the marriage and financial need.

A wife can receive alimony from their spouse even if they are working. Alimony is given to a spouse to maintain a certain quality of life. Support payments are based on the working wife’s financial needs and may last for half of a short term marriage or until they become self-supporting.

What is Alimony?

Alimony, also referred to as spousal support, is payments made from one spouse to another to ensure a financially dependent spouse’s standard of living after divorce. The court takes each spouse’s financial needs and incomes into consideration when calculating payments. Alimony is used to limit unfair economic effects caused by a divorce.

Related: How Spousal Support Is Calculated in California

How Much Alimony Can I Receive?

Alimony is based on the length of marriage, as well as each spouse’s income. The amount of alimony that can be received depends on if it is temporary or permanent alimony. Child support can impact the amount of alimony a spouse receives.

Temporary Alimony

Temporary Alimony is support paid while a divorce is ongoing. Temporary spousal support ends when a permanent spousal support order is made by a judge.

Related: Permanent vs. Temporary Spousal Support in California

Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony is awarded after the court has ordered a divorce. This type of alimony is paid for ½ the length of the marriage. However, if the marriage was over 20 years, support can be indefinite. https://herlawyer.com/spousal-support-after-a-long-term-marriage-in-california/

FAQs About A Working Wife Receiving Alimony

What is the Considered a Short Term Marriage in California?

A short term marriage in California is considered under ten years. In this case, judges try to keep rules in place that keep the supported spouse in a similar position as when they were married. This is adjusted as the spouse learns to be self-supporting.

Is Alimony Paid for Life?

Alimony depends on the time a couple has been married. It is usually half the time of the marriage. This means that if someone has been married for six years, they will typically receive half that time in alimony, which is three years. If a couple has been married for over 20 years, the wife may be eligible for lifetime alimony.

Can My Husband Quit His Job To Avoid Paying Alimony?

No, the judge looks at multiple factors to determine alimony. Additionally, the judge will question the timing of the quitting.

Contact Her Lawyer

If you or a loved one is a working wife seeking alimony in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our Spousal Support Attorneys in California today!