Spousal Support/Alimony

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Bakersfield Spousal Support Attorney

Supporting Residents of Kern County & Surrounding Areas in Alimony Disputes

Spousal support can help one party maintain financial stability during or after a divorce, but spousal support disputes often quickly become contentious if parties disagree on the need for alimony.

At Divorced by Design, we help prospective spousal support payors and recipients pursue equitable outcomes in spousal support and alimony cases. Our Kern County spousal support lawyers will work with you to ensure your rights and interests are represented in and out of court.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced Bakersfield alimony attorney today, contact us online or via phone at (661) 760-2872.

Types of Spousal Support in California

In California, spousal support (also often called alimony) can be awarded to individuals who require financial assistance to maintain the same quality of life post-divorce they enjoyed while married.

Alimony recipients can obtain four types of support:

  1. Temporary. Temporary support lasts throughout a divorce, and is intended to help an individual remain financially stable until the divorce resolves.
  2. Rehabilitative. Rehabilitative support often lasts longer than temporary support, but may have a deadline or cut-off. Rehabilitative support is intended to support an individual while they receive the necessary training or education to support themself financially.
  3. Reimbursement. If a spouse contributed to their partner's training or education, they may be entitled to reimbursement support to compensate for those expenses.
  4. Permanent. Under certain circumstances, the court may rule that a spousal support payor must provide alimony to the recipient indefinitely.

Alimony Insights for Bakersfield, CA Residents

Living in Bakersfield, CA, comes with its unique set of challenges, especially when navigating the complexities of alimony. 

In Bakersfield, the Kern County Superior Court is the primary government entity handling divorce and alimony cases. The court considers various factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. The court aims to ensure that both parties can maintain a reasonable quality of life post-divorce.

Addressing Common Spousal Support Challenges

One common pain point for residents in Bakersfield is the fluctuating job market. With industries like agriculture and oil being significant employers, job stability can vary. This instability can affect both the ability to pay and the need for alimony. If you find yourself in a situation where your financial circumstances have changed, it's crucial to know that alimony can be modified in Kern County. Significant changes such as job loss, income increase, or health issues can warrant a modification request.

Another concern for many is the enforcement of alimony payments. If a spouse refuses to pay court-ordered alimony, the recipient has legal avenues to pursue, including wage garnishment and contempt of court charges. The local legal system is well-equipped to handle these issues, making sure that you receive the support you're entitled to.

Understanding the local landscape can help you navigate the alimony process more effectively. However, it is important not to underestimate the importance of bringing on a spousal support attorney. With our legal knowledge and experience, we can guide you through the process. Trust in our seasoned approach to help smoothen this process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Bakersfield, CA

How Is Alimony Determined in Bakersfield, CA?

Alimony in Bakersfield, CA is determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.

Can Alimony Be Modified in Kern County?

Yes, alimony can be modified in Kern County if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as loss of job, increase in income, or health issues.

What Happens if a Spouse Refuses to Pay Alimony in Bakersfield, CA?

If a spouse refuses to pay court-ordered alimony in Bakersfield, CA, the recipient can seek legal remedies such as wage garnishment or contempt of court charges.

  • Would recommend him 100x

    “Mr. Rice went above and beyond for my parents. He answered all of our questions and made us feel very comfortable and at ease! Would recommend him 100x.”

    - Chelsey Crump
  • He’s a man of his word and he takes the worry out of this process

    “I highly recommend Garrett Rice if you need a divorce attorney. Divorce can be chaotic and stressful but not with him. He’s a man of his word and he takes the worry out of this process. his office is very responsive and they are with you every step of the way! Garrett goes above and beyond!!!”

    - Whitney Rainwater
  • Garret represented my case with the utmost professionalism and care

    “Garret represented my case with the utmost professionalism and care. I really felt that he provided a personal touch with his representation. I thoroughly believe that without his knowledge and litigation expertise, I would have had a different outcome in my case.”

    - Nick Lidgett
  • Whether you need your divorce handled with white gloves or a shark in the court Garrett is your man!

    “Mr. Rice is an amazing lawyer not only was he efficient he listened to my needs and the needs of my children and executed them perfectly in court. He’s a no-nonsense lawyer with a proven track record. Whether you need your divorce handled with white gloves or a shark in the court Garrett is your man! I will definitely recommend him to any and everyone I know! I’ve had 2 other lawyers in Bakersfield and no one is even close to as good as him. He’s the smartest person in the room by far and doesn’t accept the games played in family court.”

    - Justin Debrum
  • Garrett is a very compassionate and understanding attorney

    “Garrett is a very compassionate and understanding attorney. He is not in it for the money but only for the best interest of you and your family. He will not give you false hopes during the case. Garrett is always prepared for court, speaks very direct, dresses very nicely and is presentable for court, and is highly favored by the judges. Every time we went to court we received the results we wanted and he did all the talking. He defends you in and out of court when the other side wants to get out of line. I love that he gives his clients his direct number and you can contact him directly whenever. We are very seasoned with the attorneys here in Bakersfield, and 98% of them are money hungry, have no interest in your case (but they will fake it to get your money), and will continue your case for years which equals thousands of dollars you will never see again. So! If you are looking for an attorney who will get the job done and genuinely cares about you or are debating changing attorneys because they fall in that 98% category, GARRETT IS YOUR MAN! You’ll thank me later 😉”

    - Camille Elijah
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