Spousal Support Modification Lawyers in California

Assistance with spousal support and alimony modification

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Understanding Spousal Support Orders

At the conclusion of a divorce action, if applicable, the final settlement or orders will contain provisions for “permanent spousal support”. The term “permanent spousal support” is a bit of a misnomer because it refers to support ordered at the end of a divorce case rather than support ordered permanently. By contrast, a “temporary spousal support order” refers to spousal support ordered during the pendency of the divorce action and prior to trial or final settlement. A permanent spousal support order could last months, years, or the life of the parties.

Unless the spousal support order contains a provision stating it is non-modifiable, a spousal support modification is possible. Either party can work with spousal support lawyers, like Cage & Miles, to file a post-judgment motion to make changes to spousal support/alimony modifications. When determining whether to file a post-judgment support modification motion, it is important to consider the cost versus benefit of such a motion. Ideally, you will want to have accurate and current income information from the other party prior to filing a motion. California law permits former spouses to submit a request for current financial information to the other party once per year. Upon receipt of that information, a spousal support attorney can provide advice on the amount that may be saved or gained by filing a motion. As always, there is a risk of an unfavorable outcome in court. In addition, payment of spousal support lawyer fees in the post-judgment action should be factored into the equation.

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When Can You Make a Spousal Support Modification?

Life changes significantly after a divorce, and a number of different events could result in the need to modify a permanent spousal support order or alimony modification. A common spousal support modification motion generally relies on one of the following events as the basis for a change:

  • Change to income of either party - this can include an increase or decrease in income
  • The supported spouse obtaining education or employment experience
  • Cohabitation of the supported spouse - this is not an automatic right to support modification like remarriage of the supported spouse, but can be a basis to modify the order
  • Relocation of either party which results in new tax considerations
  • Change to the child support order or emancipation of minor children
  • Failure on the part of the supported spouse to make efforts to become self-supporting
  • Retirement
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How Can My Spousal Support/Alimony be Modified?

Unless otherwise stated in the divorce judgment, spousal support orders can be modified upward or downward. In addition, spousal support orders can be terminated. As a hybrid option, the court can order a step-down or “Richmond Order”. In a marriage of short duration (usually less than 10 years) the general rule is that spousal support terminates once it is paid for half of the length of the marriage. In most cases, this termination date is set forth in the divorce judgment and no modification motion is required to end the support order. However, in a marriage of long duration (usually 10 years or more), most divorce judgments do not contain a termination date and set the burden on the paying spouse to return to court to lower, step-down, or terminate spousal support.

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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
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Your Spousal Support Attorneys

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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
Lindsay Abel
Attorney
Lindsay Abel
Lindsay Abel
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
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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.

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