San Jose, California, Spousal Support Attorney
California courts may require the payment of spousal support (commonly known as alimony), particularly in cases involving a long-term marriage or a marriage when one spouse does not have earning potential for some reason. More often than not, spousal support is negotiated as part of an overall divorce settlement. Numerous and complex factors can affect the decision to seek or offer spousal support, including tax effects, property considerations and personal preferences. A Number of factors also determine the type (whether weekly payments or a lump-sum) and length of the alimony.
I am Hugh Thomson, a divorce lawyer serving clients in San Jose and throughout Silicon Valley. I have extensive experience handling spousal support matters and in dealing with the complex financial property and personal aspects of alimony. I can discuss the issues facing you, explain your options and help you decide how to proceed, regardless of whether you are the party seeking alimony payments or the party facing a potential obligation to pay them.
Call my San Jose office at 408-298-4000 or contact the firm online to schedule your consultation.
Taxation and Property Considerations
Unlike child support, with alimony there is no statutorily designated spousal support schedule. When in the midst of a divorce, obviously, there are many considerations, but decisions regarding spousal support must be made particularly carefully with a full realization of the effects that spousal support payments will have on taxation, cash flow, child support and other factors. For example, spousal support is tax-deductible for the payer and taxable to the receiver. In some cases, particularly where there are high-value assets, it may make sense to negotiate a more generous property settlement and forego spousal support.
Making the wrong decision regarding spousal support could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or even more. Making the right decision could save you that same amount. Having advised and represented clients in spousal support matters for more than 30 years, I understand the financial complexities of these and other considerations. I can discuss all of the ramifications of these issues and help you make the decision that is right for you.
For a consultation with attorney Hugh Thomson, call our San Jose law office at 408-298-4000 or contact the firm online. We serve clients throughout Silicon Valley and Northern California.
