If you anticipate a divorce or if you’re currently going through the legal process, it’s natural to worry about the future. Call the Fresno divorce law firm at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today if you anticipate a dispute over the nuptial fund or if you need to have a nuptial fund order modified. Our spousal support attorneys can also look at your current nuptial fund agreement to verify that it’s fair and right for you.

Fighting For Fair And Adequate Spousal Support

Spousal support in California is either “temporary” or “permanent.” Courts rarely demand an analysis of assets and property prior to ordering temporary spousal support, because it’s just that: temporary. However, if you seek permanent support, several factors will be evaluated. The skills and knowledge of an experienced spousal support attorney are imperative if you seek fair, adequate, and permanent spousal support.

Since 1992, the firm of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian has successfully represented scores of satisfied clients in nuptial fund disputes throughout central California.

What Factors Do California Courts Consider When Awarding Permanent Spousal Support?

Temporary spousal support is calculated using a formula, but permanent spousal support requires the court to evaluate a much broader set of circumstances unique to your marriage. Understanding what judges look at helps you prepare a stronger case, whether you’re seeking support or anticipating an obligation to pay.

Factors the Court Evaluates

• Length of the marriage. For long-term marriages (generally 10 years or longer), courts presume that spousal support may continue for a longer duration. Shorter marriages typically result in support lasting roughly half the length of the marriage.

• Each spouse’s earning capacity. The court examines whether each spouse can maintain the standard of living established during the marriage based on their marketable skills, education, job market conditions, and time needed to acquire training or employment.

• Contributions to the other spouse’s career. If one spouse supported the other through school, professional training, or career advancement — particularly by staying home to raise children — the court weighs those contributions when determining support.

• Age and health of both parties. Physical and mental health conditions that limit a spouse’s ability to work significantly factor into the amount and duration of support awarded.

• Domestic violence history. Documented domestic violence can influence spousal support decisions, potentially increasing the amount or duration awarded to the victim.

• Assets, debts, and property division. How marital property is divided affects each spouse’s financial position, which the court considers alongside income when calculating an appropriate spousal support order.

Our experienced family law attorneys at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian ensure every relevant factor is thoroughly presented to the court.

How Spousal Support Can Be Modified or Terminated in Fresno

A spousal support order is not necessarily permanent — California law allows either spouse to petition the court for a modification or termination when circumstances change significantly.

Understanding when and how support can be adjusted protects both the paying and receiving spouse from arrangements that no longer reflect reality.

Common Grounds for Modifying Spousal Support

• Change in income. If the paying spouse loses their job, experiences a significant income reduction, or if the receiving spouse obtains higher-paying employment, either party can petition for a modification that reflects the new financial reality.

• Cohabitation by the receiving spouse. Under California law, if the spouse receiving support begins living with a new romantic partner, there is a rebuttable presumption that their need for support has decreased. The paying spouse can petition to reduce or terminate the spousal support order based on this change.

• Retirement of the paying spouse. When the paying spouse reaches retirement age, they may petition to reduce or end support based on their reduced income. The court will evaluate whether retirement was made in good faith and at a reasonable age.

• Failure to become self-supporting. California courts expect the receiving spouse to make reasonable efforts toward becoming self-sufficient. If the receiving spouse has not pursued education, training, or employment opportunities, the court may reduce or terminate support.

When Spousal Support Ends Automatically

• The receiving spouse remarries

• Either spouse passes away

• The court-ordered end date arrives

• A written agreement between the parties specifies termination conditions

Whether you need to modify an existing spousal support order or defend against a modification petition, the spousal support lawyers in Fresno at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian provide the legal guidance you need to protect your financial security and your future.

Schedule A Consultation With A Fresno Spousal Support Attorney Today

Whether you need advice and representation right now from an experienced spousal support attorney or simply seek information for future use, we can assess your current situation, discuss your various legal alternatives, and help you choose the best options regarding any divorce-related issue. If you need a spousal support order or the modification of a nuptial fund order, let our experienced divorce attorneys handle all of the negotiations and details on your behalf.

For more than two decades, we’ve been the attorneys that divorced spouses turn to for help with spousal support in the San Joaquin Valley. We maintain flexible hours and promptly return every call. We serve clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kingsburg, and Hanford counties. Our staff speaks Spanish and French, so don’t let language be a barrier to obtaining the help you need. Contact an attorney with the law firm of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today at 559-545-0383 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.