Alimony can be a great and very necessary thing for some of those going through a divorce. Often, one of two spouses is less privileged than the other in terms of their financial situation, especially if the other spouse was the primary or sole breadwinner. So, alimony might be granted to the spouse who requires more financial support. But did you know that in the state of California, there is more than one single type of alimony available for those going through a divorce? It’s true. And the type of alimony a divorcee is granted depends on a lot of circumstances.

3 Main Types of Alimony in California

Lifetime alimony is one of the three types of alimony that many think of when they think of alimony. This involves lifetime payments of alimony on a monthly basis to an ex-spouse. However, what you might not know about this type of alimony is that it is only granted in California if the spouses have been married a decade or longer. Not only that, but alimony payments end once the paying spouse passes away or the receiver of the alimony gets remarried.

Transitional alimony is another type of alimony, though very temporary. It involves just a one time payment towards the less privileged spouse, usually just to help them move into a new home or put a down payment on a new vehicle, for instance – just a little push to get them back on their feet.

Then we have rehabilitative alimony. This last type of alimony takes place longer than transitional alimony. The judge will decide how long the receiver will get alimony for. The intent of this type of alimony, like transitional alimony, is to help the receiver get back on their feet so that they can eventually support themselves in the future.

Hire a Family Law Attorney to Help with Alimony in Southern California

Alimony can be either a saving grace or a devil in disguise – or both. Alimony is great for the person receiving it but not always great for the individual who has to pay it. But alimony doesn’t always have to be unfair. With different types of alimony out there, the opportunity for the payer to request to pay less alimony, or the opportunity fort the receiver to request to receive more alimony, it’s possible that alimony terms can be adjusted that best suit both parties.

Whether you want to request alimony, change alimony terms, or try to get out of paying alimony, your best bet is to hire a family law attorney in Southern California. Torrence L. Howell is one family law attorney in Rancho Cucamonga, CA who would be delighted to help you navigate the confusions and complexities of dealing with alimony.

Contact Howell at (909) 920-0908 for help with alimony in Southern California.