California Spousal Support Lawyers

Experienced spousal support lawyers guiding you through your case

Find My Spousal Support Attorney
Couple sitting on rock overlooking water below.

What is Spousal Support?

Spousal support—often called alimony—is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Its purpose is to help the supported spouse maintain a lifestyle reasonably consistent with the marital standard of living.

In California, spousal support laws are gender neutral and do not depend on fault. Either spouse may be entitled to receive support, depending on the financial circumstances of the case.

At Cage & Miles, our California spousal support lawyers guide clients through every step of the process, from temporary support orders to long-term spousal support arrangements.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney

Why Does spousal support Exist?

While the primary purpose of spousal support is to make sure the spouse with less financial stability is capable of maintaining the marital standard of living post-separation, spousal support also gives the lower income spouse time to acquire the necessary skills to become self-supporting.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney

How is Spousal Support Calculated?

One of the first things divorcing parties want to know is exactly how much spousal support they should expect to receive or pay. Unfortunately, there is no black letter law that attorneys can use to calculate a spousal support order. At the beginning of the case, there can be more certainty in terms of predicting a spousal support order. However, long term spousal support awards are based on a set of factors weighed by the court and different judges may make different orders based on the same set of facts. At Cage & Miles, our spousal support attorneys have years of experience helping our clients resolve their spousal support cases by fighting to make sure that the amount of support awarded is fair and equitable.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal Support Services

Spousal Support Modifications

Adjust spousal support orders to match today’s financial realities.
Spousal Support Modifications
Spousal Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Ask An Attorney

There are two main types of spousal support:

  • Temporary support: This type of support is paid prior to entry of divorce and finalization of the case. It is intended to help the parties maintain a financial “status quo” during the divorce process to the extent possible.
  • Permanent spousal support: “Permanent” spousal support is a bit of a misnomer because it is not necessarily intended to last forever. Instead, permanent spousal support is ordered at the end of a divorce case and is calculated differently than temporary spousal support. In most cases, the permanent award is lower than the temporary award.

A documented history of domestic violence or a criminal conviction for the same is a factor the court will consider when determining whether or not to order spousal support payable from the abused spouse to his or her abuser. In general, fault plays no role in the determination of spousal support. Behavior such as infidelity is irrelevant to spousal support calculations; however, domestic violence can prevent an abuser from receiving spousal support as a matter of public policy.

Get started today

Speak With a Spousal Support Specialist

Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney
Trusted by clients across California

Client Testimonials

Hear directly from the individuals and families we’ve helped through complex, emotional legal matters. Their words reflect our commitment to clarity, compassion, and successful outcomes.

See All Testimonials

I hired John Sylvester two years ago while I was going through several issues in my family law case. To date, he has helped me resolve every single one of those issues in my favor. His professionalism and knowledge of the law is second to none. He was always responsive when I had questions. He helped me understand how everything worked, from RFOs, to subpoenas, to trial litigation. John always had a plan, and he was always prepared. He was able to take all the information I gave him and make sense of it all. John never pushed me to spend more money and Rebecca the co-owner was kind enough to work out the financial aspects of my bills with me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with John, and I have already recommended him to friends and family who want the best family attorney in San Diego.

Anthony C

Steven set my mind at ease immediately. My situation felt incredibly difficult and extreme. After our initial consultation I knew that when the time came for me to act that Steven was the perfect professional for me to hire. He was very diligent dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” while carefully explaining each step through completion. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a finer job. Thank you!

Coach Miller

This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

They are very good company to deal with the family law, I had Mehry Mohseni and Stephanie they did an awesome job. They will let you know what is going on in your case, help you how the court works and put you in the picture when you go inside the court what you expect to happen. They will prepare you for your court day very well.I’ll recommend them to anyone going through these kind of problems they will do their best for you.

Aya Lockman

I highly recommend Ksenya Kogan to anyone who finds themselves in the tough spot of navigating a divorce. She was highly recommended to me by an friend, and hiring her was the best decision I ever made. Without her assistance, I would have given in so many times along this journey. She fought for me when I didn’t know how to stand-up for myself, and the end result was a settlement that far exceeded my expectations and at a cost far lower than the other party paid their attorney. Without her, I have no doubt I would have been paying outrageous alimony for the rest of my life. Instead, her expertise and tenacity resulted in me finally being able to completely move forward without being tied to my ex.

Jaclyn Skinner

I wanted to hire them but I couldn't because of a conflict of interest but I am well aware of a certain case that one of their lawyers is working on. I am close with her client (hence the conflict of interest). Jillian is an absolute beast and I totally wish I could hire her to take on my case! But she fights for her clients! She does her work and then some! She is on top of everything! She knows what she's doing and she is one of the best lawyers I've ever seen. If you're looking for a Trial/Family Law lawyer, she is the woman for you! She took my "friend's" case on and now his case is literally 180 from what it was before! Trust me, she is worth every penny!

Katey Figueroa

I cannot express my gratitude and immense satisfaction choosing Cage & Miles, my attorney was Mehry Mohseni. I work often with attorneys, both private and in the public sector. It is my opinion that Ms. Mohseni JD is possibly one of the great legal minds of our time. I had a rather difficult case that other attorneys seemed intimated by. But my Counsel Mohseni was tenacious, fought for what was RIGHT for my family, and always showed up with a smile and calm demeanor. Many times, I, myself, became frustrated and hopeless with family court. I could always count on a call or text from Ms Mohseni, explaining protocol or talking me off a cliff. Bright, knowledgeable and never backing down, she's a real Bulldog when you need one. Family court is never fun, but when you have the support of Cage & Miles, know you have the very very best!

Laurin C

I can not say enough about how helpful and professional both Shannon and Jaime are. They walked me through every step of my case and were always well prepared. They were both available to answer any questions I had during a tough time. Both of these ladies show great professionalism and dedication to their clients and I definitely felt this the whole time working with them. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a Family Law Attorney. Thank you both again!

Miranda T
Previous
Next

Your Spousal Support Attorneys

Find My Spousal Support Attorney
Shannon B. Miles
Founding Partner
Shannon B. Miles
Shannon B. Miles
Jaime N. Cage
Founding Partner
Jaime N. Cage
Jaime N. Cage
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Partner
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Avi Levy
Partner
Avi Levy
Avi Levy
Adrian Doty
Attorney
Adrian Doty
Adrian Doty
Alaina Lynch
Attorney
Alaina Lynch
Alaina Lynch
Allison Kuska
Attorney
Allison Kuska
Allison Kuska
Ashley Bell
Attorney
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Carmen Ramos
Certified Family Law Specialist
Carmen Ramos
Carmen Ramos
Chelcee Eads
Attorney
Chelcee Eads
Chelcee Eads
David Crosgrove
Attorney
David Crosgrove
David Crosgrove
Deanne Arthur
Attorney
Deanne Arthur
Deanne Arthur
Dillon Clayton
Attorney
Dillon Clayton
Dillon Clayton
Evan Wender
Certified Family Law Specialist
Evan Wender
Evan Wender
Garen Gevorkian
Attorney
Garen Gevorkian
Garen Gevorkian
James Dooley
Certified Family Law Specialist
James Dooley
James Dooley
Jamie Learakos
Attorney
Jamie Learakos
Jamie Learakos
Lauren Trinrud
Attorney
Lauren Trinrud
Lauren Trinrud
Leyla Tabatabaie
Certified Family Law Specialist
Leyla Tabatabaie
Leyla Tabatabaie
Maria Spear
Certified Family Law Specialist
Maria Spear
Maria Spear
Mehry Mohseni
Certified Family Law Specialist
Mehry Mohseni
Mehry Mohseni
Naomi Fribourg
Attorney
Naomi Fribourg
Naomi Fribourg
Ryan Goulet
Attorney
Ryan Goulet
Ryan Goulet
Sandra Mayberry
Certified Family Law Specialist
Sandra Mayberry
Sandra Mayberry
Traci Hoppes
Certified Family Law Specialist
Traci Hoppes
Traci Hoppes
Vanessa Gomez
Attorney
Vanessa Gomez
Vanessa Gomez
Get Started Today

Speak with a Spousal Support Attorney

Schedule a confidential, no-obligation conversation with our team.
We’ll discuss your unique situation and match you with the attorney best suited to help you move forward.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney
Serving southern California

Experienced Spousal Support Attorneys Near You

Cage & Miles family law attorneys serve all of San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino. No matter where you are in Southern California, our family law attorneys are prepared to speak with you so that you can gain insight into the options for your family law case.

Los Angeles, CA
Palm tree–lined city street in Los Angeles with cars, traffic lights, and buildings in the background.
Los Angeles, CA
Riverside, CA
Overhead view of a residential California neighborhood with houses, streets, and greenery.
Riverside, CA
San Diego, CA
Sunset view of waves washing against a sandy beach at the base of cliffs in San Diego, California.
San Diego, CA
Legal Insights & Tips

Family Law Blog

View All Blog Articles
Family Law

Navigating the California Cost: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Future

Discover the secrets of navigating the California coast with our comprehensive guide. Take control of your future and explore the wonders that await you.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
Navigating the California Cost: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Future
Family Law

All Alone? Consequences of Marriage Abandonment in California

California is a no-fault divorce state, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences of marriage abandonment. Learn how it can impact your divorce.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
All Alone? Consequences of Marriage Abandonment in California
Family Law

How Cage & Miles Can Improve Your Tax Season

Taxes hold significance to the child and spousal support that should be paid in a California divorce or paternity case. Learn how Cage & Miles can help you this tax season.
AUTHORS
PRIMARY SERVICES
SECONDARY SERVICES
Read Article
How Cage & Miles Can Improve Your Tax Season

Explore Related Services

Divorce

Navigate the complex legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce with experienced, strategic representation.
Divorce

Child Support

Make sure your child gets the financial support they need — whether you're requesting, modifying, or enforcing a support order.
Child Support
Get started today

Get matched with the right Spousal Support attorney for your case

Get matched with a trusted Cage & Miles attorney who understands your unique situation. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from your first conversation to confident resolution.

Find My Spousal Support Attorney