What Assets Will Be Taken into Account When Determining Spousal Support?

Couple fighting in front of their lawyerSLO clients’ first question when they come to us for help with their divorce and spousal support issues is how much and which assets are included in the calculation? With over 35 years of experience offering excellent family law representation in San Luis Obispo, we understand our clients’ concern for their assets. That’s exactly Hosford & Hosford has become renowned throughout the Central Coast as some of the hardest working attorneys in the region–and we have an extensive list of successful cases to prove it. Whether you’ve already started the divorce proceedings or if you’re getting ready to do so, give us a call at (805) 439-1906.

The first step after you call us is to get you in for a meeting with us so we can learn more about the particular aspects of your case. We’ll talk through your goals and then use those details to develop a custom strategy to help us meet your goals. Our experienced attorneys are passionate about every single client we take on, and we’ll always fight are absolute hardest for you every step of the process. Contact us today and we’ll get the ball rolling.

How Do the Courts Calculate Spousal Support?

SLO clients going through a divorce often are anxious about how exactly the court will calculate their spousal support (sometimes called alimony). Specifically, they want to know which assets of theirs will be included in the calculation.

Now, when it comes to spousal support, there are usually not a strict set of rules. Instead, it is often left up to the discretion of the judge. This alone is one of the best reasons why you should seek the help of a good family law attorney like Hosford & Hosford. But here are some of the factors that the judge will most likely look at.

  • How long you were married.
  • How healthy you and your spouse are.
  • Your ages.
  • What kind of education you have.
  • How much income you and your spouse can earn, including your education.

When it comes to spousal support, SLO clients who have had a long marriage with their spouse are sometimes required to pay permanent alimony.

Of course, these factors listed above are a few of the main aspects. But the judge can consider any factors that they deem “just and equitable.” Criminal and abusive behavior will also be considered.

Which Assets Are Included in Determining Spousal Support?

Once the judge has determined to order spousal support, SLO clients will then be told how much they have to pay. To determine the amount, the judge will look at all of the marital and non-marital assets. This is where the process can get very complicated. But these generally are some of the assets that the judge will consider.

  • Bank accounts and cash.
  • Investments including stocks and stock options.
  • Real estate.
  • Vehicles.
  • Jewelry (including gold and silver), art, antique collectibles.
  • Patents.

This is a very condensed list and should not be used as a comprehensive guide by any means. After you contact Hosford & Hosford, we’ll sit down with you and go through a very detailed analysis of your financial situation and talk with you about what your exposure might be.

When you go into your divorce hearings and negotiations, you want an attorney at your side that you can trust. We keep you up to date every step of the way with total transparency, and we always discuss our strategy with you beforehand. Call our SLO office today at (805) 439-1906.