Gavel With Alimony MoneyYou dedicated your life to raising your children, and now that you are getting divorced, you are understandably worried about being able to get a well-paying job after so many years out of the workforce. With money as tight as it is, you won't be able to afford tuition to go back to college to jumpstart a new career. The good news is, you can negotiate for temporary rehabilitative spousal support when finalizing your divorce.

When Is Alimony Awarded in a Divorce?

Spousal support—or alimony, as most people know it—is often part of a divorce agreement when one spouse (usually the wife, but not always) earns considerably less than the other spouse. Unlike child support, California does not dictate how much spousal support should be awarded to the lower-earning parent. Determining what is necessary and fair will, ideally, be decided by the divorcing couple with the help of their attorneys. If that is not possible, it will be decided by a judge. While the amount and duration of general spousal support will be based on factors such as maintaining the family home and lifestyle for the children, rehabilitative support could be a temporary addition to these payments.

What Is Rehabilitative Spousal Support?

In families where the wife was the stay-at-home parent, she has no income whatsoever and is entitled to spousal support from her husband—in addition to child support. When negotiating for what this support will look like, it's important to consider what it will take for you to become financially independent one day. These questions should be considered when negotiating for rehabilitative spousal support:

  • Would you like to return to college to complete a degree?
  • Can you get a better job by enrolling in a training program?
  • Do you need extra financial support while you conduct a job search?
  • How many years will you have to put into a new career before you are earning an adequate salary?

Taking time to think about your post-divorce career goals will be important to a favorable spousal support agreement.

You Need Support to Demand What You Are Owed

Your ex-husband had years to build his career and his salary while you maintained the home and cared for the children, and your contribution to the family should not be minimized or overlooked. Even if you worked part-time or full-time at a lower-paying job, it will take time for you to build your income. Nathan Law Offices exclusively represent women in divorce, and we understand the need for fair spousal support. Contact our Marin County office to find out how we can help you.