The Effect of Long-Term Marriage on Divorce Settlements
California Divorce, Marriage, Spousal Support

The Effect of Long-Term Marriage on Divorce Settlements

Jack and Diane’s marriage lasted much longer than the average marriage. But after 32 years, they decided to call it quits. They knew their adult children would be fine, but really had no idea how their long-term marriage would affect their divorce settlement.

Divorce Settlements, in General.

The parties to a divorce agree on a divorce settlement, or the court irons out the details for them. Typically, such settlements include custody and visitation agreements, child support, division of assets and debts, and spousal support.

For issues involving children, courts look for an arrangement that best suits the children’s needs.

When it comes to assets and debts, California is a community property state. This means that a couple’s debts and property are generally considered to be owned 50-50, although there are exceptions.

Spousal support is based on factors like:

  • The standard of living established during the marriage.
  • Whether the supported party contributed to supporting party’s career.
  • The supporting spouse’s ability to pay.
  • Each spouse’s needs.
  • Each spouse’s assets and obligations.
  • The duration of marriage.
  • Whether supported spouse can work without harming children.

This is not the complete list contained in the California Family Code 4320. However, in this blog, we are looking at how people married for over 10 years fare in a divorce. The length of the marriage is only one factor in negotiating a settlement.

So, What’s Different About Long-Term Marriages?

Marriages that last less than 10 years are generally thought of a short-term when it comes to calculating spousal support. When one spouse needs support from the other, courts often give the needy spouse alimony for one half the duration of the marriage. Importantly, the court orders a time period wherein the court can make further decisions related to alimony. For example, for a marriage of 8 years, the supported spouse might receive alimony for 4 years, but the court retains jurisdiction for only 2.

A supported spouse leaving a long-term marriage may receive support for half the duration of the marriage. Courts tend to be more flexible in longer-lasting marriages. As for jurisdiction, the court can make decisions about alimony for this divorce indefinitely. If the supported spouse becomes ill while receiving support, the court could order additional support after taking all factors into consideration.

Years Can Make a Difference.

If you’re facing divorce, how long you remained married influences your divorce settlement. However, courts are not required to abide by a 10-year rule. It’s just a very common measurement. It’s best to speak with an attorney to make sure you receive everything to which you are entitled.

Judy Burger is a California Certified Family Law Specialist, and founder of the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger. Please call our offices at 415-293-8314 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys. We assist clients along the Northern to Central California Coast.
spousal support taxes
California Divorce, Spousal Support

How is Spousal Support Taxed?

After months of uncertainty the court finally entered a judgment in your divorce proceedings. To your relief, the judgment included a spousal support order and you’ve been receiving payments from your former spouse for about a year. The payments have come in handy and you’ve used that money for important household bills. All is well until your accountant calls to tell you that you owe hundreds of dollars in taxes. Unfortunately, when you started receiving spousal support, you didn’t realize that you would be taxed on those payments. This is a mistake that could cost you thousands.

Taxation is an important consideration that is often overlooked regarding spousal support. Both the party ordered to pay spousal support and the person receiving the support should be aware of the tax consequences of the support award in order to prepare for any tax ramifications once payments begin. Ideally, both federal and state tax implications should be considered during divorce or separation proceedings so a spousal support agreement may be reached that minimizes the tax consequences for all parties involved.

There are both federal and state tax implications for spousal support awards. Usually, spousal support is tax deductible for the person who is paying spousal support. The spousal support payments received by the supported spouse are considered to be taxable income. This is only the case for couples who have a final court order. If a couple does not have a final court order of legal separation or divorce, spousal support payments are considered gifts for tax purposes which are not deductible for the paying party nor considered income for the receiving party.

For federal tax purposes, strict IRS guidelines must be followed for the spousal support payments to be tax-deductible. The support payments must be 1) authorized by a court order for divorce or legal separation; 2) in cash; 3) not part of a property division or child support payment; and 4) paid only while the spouses are not members of the same household. 

Each state has its own guidelines for taxation of spousal support. In California, spousal support is tax-deductible for the paying spouse and taxable for the receiving spouse, as long as the spouses file separate state tax returns. 

The law is more complicated when it relates to partner support.  Federal tax laws were not changed to recognize domestic partners and states other than California may not have laws that consider the legal validity of a domestic partnership. A California attorney experienced with issues relating to domestic partnerships can advise you on the federal and state tax implications of a partner support award. 


When seeking a spousal support award, it is imperative to retain an attorney who is knowledgeable about how to structure support awards to ensure the best possible tax benefits.   The knowledgeable attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger are experienced with spousal and partner support awards and the tax implications.  Call us now at (415) 293-8314 to schedule your private appointment regarding your California divorce case or visit us online to find out more about how we can help.
spousal support in California
California Divorce, Spousal Support

How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

A party to a divorce or separation case in California may request that the court order support as part of a final divorce or separation decree.  For a spousal or partner support award, one party petitions the court to request that the other party support him or her during the pendency of proceedings and after.  But questions sometimes arise regarding how long these support awards last and the factors the court considers. 

The length of a marriage is one of the primary factors that a court considers when fashioning a permanent spousal support award and determining a time period. Under California Family Code 4320, the court’s goal is that a supported party will be able to support themselves within a “reasonable period of time.” Generally that is considered to be one-half of the length of the entire marriage. So if a marriage lasted 8 years, a spousal support award may last for 4 years. This is not a requirement, however, under California law a judge can order that a spousal support award last for as long as the judge deems necessary. 

There is an important exception.  California Family Code Section 4336 deals with a marriage or partnership of a “long duration” (usually 10 years or more).  In this case, the judge may not set an end date to the spousal or partner support and will retain jurisdiction for an indefinite period of time. 

The calculation of the length of the marriage or domestic partnership is generally from the date of the marriage to the date of the separation. The date of separation is important when deciding issues of spousal or partner support.  If the parties in a divorce or separation case can’t agree on the date of separation, the judge may have to decide the date for them.  The judge may also consider periods of separation when determining if a marriage is of “long duration” under California law.

Spousal support usually ends on the date decreed by the court in the final order or judgment. It can also end when one of the spouses or domestic partners dies or when the person receiving the support remarries or registers a new domestic partnership.


As detailed above, spousal and partner support involves complicated legal issues and date complications. Arguments may need to be submitted to the court regarding dates of separation as these can have a significant impact on the amount of a support award.  If you are facing divorce or separation proceedings you need a knowledgeable and experienced California divorce attorney to fight for your rights. Visit our website to learn more or call us today at (415) 293-8314 to set up a personal, confidential consultation.
Spousal Support

“Africa Diamond Scam” Case Differentiates Alimony and Property Settlement

Marriage is a beautiful thing, and for some people, it is the key to long-lasting happiness and even personal wealth. But even the beauty of marriage can wilt and wither, and what was once a happy flourishing relationship can turn to separation and divorce. In those cases, no amount of money can buy back the happiness of the relationship, and the division of property that is the marker of a relationship ended ensues. When a marriage ends, it often brings with it issues of spousal support – and that spousal support can take different forms.

Alimony is the form of spousal support that most people are familiar with – it is the payment if funds from one spouse to the other for ongoing maintenance. Alimony is designed to allow a recipient spouse to take care of himself or herself. Property settlement, on the other hand, is the division of the assets of the marriage. It is the separation of those things that the marriage has jointly acquired between the two individuals as they move in separate directions.

These two concepts seem similar but have different consequences for tax purposes. Generally speaking, property settlement has few to no tax consequences. Alimony, on the other hand, is taxable as income to the receiving party and deductible as an expense by the paying party. The different treatment does not change whether you are dealing with a multi-million dollar marriage or something much smaller, though the tax amount varies considerably.

The recent Enron case interestingly has even touched the world of divorce and the separation of property with that goes along with it. Byron Georgiou, an attorney associated with the case, entered into a divorce just prior to the completion of that case. Pursuant to the divorce agreement, his ex-wife was to be entitled to 10% of the fees he received from the case. When the case settled, Byron was awarded $55 million in fees. His ex-wife, Maria Leslie, was therefore entitled to $5 million. The language of the marital settlement agreement had placed the provision related to the fee award in the section of the agreement related to division of property. It then used language that clearly identified it as spousal support that was intended to be taxable income for the wife.

The responsibility to pay taxes is a serious one, and the United States Tax Court does not make exceptions based on mental health or divorce. Ms. Leslie was recently in front of them for failure to pay taxes. She had multiple arguments regarding the amount of taxes she was due and for which tax year. Leslie had been scammed for $400,000.00 in an African diamond scam, and the issues before the court related to whether the funds were intended as spousal support or were instead a division of marital property.

Leslie was fortunate to have the court find that money she had been swindled in the scam was properly considered a theft loss that she could legally write off. However, the court also found that the income she received from her ex-husband’s participation in the Enron litigation was taxable income to her. The court found that the language in the agreement identified it as such, even though it was in the section of the agreement on property settlement and even though it did not include any provision for termination at the time of her death.

Teasing out whether support is intended to serve as alimony or as a property settlement can have major consequences for both spouses. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to make sure your divorce papers are handled by an experienced attorney who is an expert in California divorce law. Contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger today to learn how our attorneys can help in your case: (415) 293-8314.

Get Ready for Next Tax Year: How Does the IRS Treat Spousal Support?
California Divorce, Spousal Support

Get Ready for Next Tax Year: How Does the IRS Treat Spousal Support?

If you are newly divorced or going through a divorce, you may be unsure how the Internal Revenue Service treats spousal support for tax purposes. Many people do not think about taxes until tax time rolls around. Of course, it is wise to be prepared on this issue, as receiving (or paying) spousal support will affect your tax bill and potentially lead to an underpayment that you will need to make up by April 15.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treat spousal support, also called “alimony,” as income for federal tax purposes. The most important issue is what qualifies as alimony under federal tax law.

Alimony payments must meet all of the following qualifications:

  • The parties do not file a joint return.
  • The payments are made in cash, by check, or by money order.
  • The payment is received either by the ex-spouse or on that person’s behalf.
  • Neither the parties’ separation agreement nor a court decree says that the payment is not spousal support.
  • The responsibility to make the payments stops when the ex-spouse dies or remarries.
  • The payment is neither child support nor part of the parties’ property settlement.

The IRS specifically provides that the following do not qualify as alimony:

  • child support;
  • property settlements that are not made in cash;
  • payments that are intended to be a spouse’s share of community property income; and
  • payments made either to keep up or for the use of the paying spouse’s property.

The former spouse who receives the payments is required to report alimony as income for federal tax purposes. Likewise, the former spouse who makes alimony payments is entitled to a deduction for payments made.

Those who receive payments are required by law to cooperate by providing their Social Security number to the paying party. If receiving spouses do not do this, they may receive a $50 penalty. A party making the payments could not only receive a $50 penalty for failing to include the recipient’s Social Security number but also could see his or her income tax deduction disallowed.

Here are a few trickier situations that require competent financial or legal advice:

  • payments made to a third-party under a separation agreement, a divorce decree, or at the written request of the receiving party;
  • payments for life insurance premiums for the benefit of the receiving spouse, if they are required by court order or a written separation agreement; and
  • certain mortgage, real estate tax, or house insurance payments.
If you are not sure whether to claim alimony as income or a deduction, you should consult with an experienced California lawyer. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Judy L. Burger will provide authoritative legal support tailored to your specific situation. Make the call today to learn how our attorneys can help: (415) 293-8314.
Modification of Spousal Support
Spousal Support

Modification of Spousal Support


One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is spousal or domestic partner support. When matters of the heart are involved, financial matters because even more hotly contested. Modification of support orders is no exception, as they involve the ability of the payer to pay and the need of the payee for financial support. If you are unfamiliar with spousal support in California, please see my prior blog here.


The threshold issue is whether the parties have agreed or a judge has ordered that spousal support may not be modified. If the parties agreed that it could not be changed, they will be bound by that agreement. Likewise, if a judge’s support order does not allow for change, no request to modify it will be granted.


If neither an agreement nor an order bar modification, the parties may agree to change the amount of spousal support themselves. If they do, before it is legally enforceable, they must ask a judge to approve it and enter it as an order of the court.


If the parties cannot agree, one of them may file a request with the court to modify the amount. The party making the request will have to show that there has been a change in circumstances that warrants a change in the amount paid. Following are the reasons in California that might support a change:

  • Reduced ability of the paying party’s ability to pay;
  • Reduced need of the party receiving the support;
  • The failure of the party receiving support to attempt to become self-supporting;
  • The remarriage, cohabitation, or death of the party receiving support; and
  • The inability of your employer or the child support agency to deliver the spousal support for at least six months due to a change in the payee’s address.

As you might imagine, how the facts are presented in a spousal support modification request can make a substantial difference in the outcome. If you’re faced with requesting modification or defending against it, you should hire an aggressive attorney with substantial experience in support matters. Judy L. Burger and her team have considerable experience in contested family law matters. Submit our Contact form today or call (415) 259-6636 to arrange an appointment to begin discussing your case.
Do I Have a Claim Against a Spouse I Supported During Educational Endeavors?
California Divorce, Debt

Do I Have a Claim Against a Spouse I Supported During Educational Endeavors?

A common question when divorce or legal separation is being contemplated is whether a professional license or college degree can somehow be split among the parties. This question is particularly common when one spouse worked to enable the other spouse to go to college or to obtain an advanced degree. While neither a degree nor a license is property subject to division, under California law, the marital community may be entitled to reimbursements for payments made toward education or training. Of course, no reimbursement will be ordered if the parties agreed in writing, such as in a prenuptial agreement, that none would be made.

Several issues are presented when one of the parties to a marriage receives education or training during the marriage or when the couple pays back student loans during the marriage, including the following:

  • Whether the community should be reimbursed for the use of community funds;
  • How any outstanding loan should be allocated; and
  • What the impact of the education or training should be on spousal support.

The first issue is whether the community has a claim of reimbursement from the spouse or partner who received the training or education. If educational expenses were paid out of community funds, reimbursement, with interest, will be ordered if the education “substantially enhances the earning capacity of the party”. If circumstances would render reimbursement unjust, it may be reduced or modified. Those circumstances include the following:

  • When the marital community has substantially benefitted from the education;
  • When the other party also received education or training using community funds, which offsets the education in question; and
  • When the need for a spousal support award is substantially reduced because the education or training enhanced the party’s ability to “engage in gainful employment”.

The second issue is how any unpaid student loans will be allocated. Generally, the law provides that outstanding loans shall not be classified as community debt but shall be allocated to the party who received the education or training. Of course, to the extent this is done, it may offset a portion of the community’s right to reimbursement. See our separate blog here for a general discussion of community debt.

The final issue is the extent to which a spousal or partner support award should be impacted by the additional education or training. The California Family Code provides that several factors are considered in rendering such an award. These include each party’s earning capacity, as well as the extent to which one party contributed to the education or training of the other. An experienced family attorney will recognize these implications to the attainment of a degree or license and will position her client favorably in obtaining a support award.

As you might imagine, how these matters are presented to a court can make a significant difference in both the issue of reimbursements and in a spousal or partner support order.  Judy L. Burger has the experience you need to identify and present issues in family court. Contact her today at (415) 259-6636 to learn more.
How Do California Courts Determine Spousal and Partner Support?
Spousal Support

How Do California Courts Determine Spousal Support and Partner Support?

Under California law, when a couple divorces or legally separates, a court can order spousal or partner support. Spousal or partner support can be ordered on a temporary basis, while the court case is pending. It can also be ordered by the court on a permanent basis at the end of the case, such as when a final divorce order is entered. Either way, a case must be pending before a court can become involved.

A court may enter a temporary support order to provide for support of a spouse or partner while the court case is pending. The factors used by California courts in determining the amount of a temporary order are set locally by court rule. For example, in San Francisco County, the local court rules provide that the Santa Clara schedule will be used to calculate the default amount of spousal support. However, the judge may decide, for reasons that constitute “good cause”, that a different amount is appropriate.

A court may also enter a permanent or long-term support order at the end of a case. California law mandates that many factors be considered by the judge in setting this award, including but not limited to the following:

  • The length of the marriage or partnership;
  • Each party’s age and health;
  • The Marital Standard of Living;
  • Each party’s debts and assets;
  • Each party’s needs;
  • Each party’s earning capacity;
  • The ability of the paying party to pay support;
  • The ability of the receiving party to work without adversely affecting the parties’ minor children;
  • The tax consequences to each party;
  • Whether one party helped the other to receive an education, a license, or a similar achievement; and
  • The occurrence of domestic violence between the parties or against their children.
The court must also consider “the goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time”, as well as hardships presented to each party. It may also consider other matters that it considers are just and equitable to make a proper order of support.

As you might imagine, how these matters are presented to a court can make a significant difference in the support order. You want an attorney with substantial experience in Northern California who will represent you aggressively. Please contact The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger at (415) 259-6636 to learn more.
Annulment, California Divorce, Domestic Violence, Legal Separation

What are California’s Rules for Spousal Support?

When is Spousal Support Allowed?
When is Spousal Support Allowed?
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other for support during or after legal separation or divorce.  A party can ask the court in his or her first filing to award temporary alimony to help the party meet expenses during the divorce. Similarly, a party seeking a domestic violence restraining order may also seek spousal support. A judge must consider certain factors before awarding spousal support, such as the ages of the parties, the standard of living of the parties during the marriage, the earning capacity of both parties, and the length of the marriage or domestic partnership.  Domestic violence committed by one party against the other may also be considered. Spousal support generally falls into one of two categories depending on the intended purpose of the alimony.  Rehabilitative alimony is intended to help a spouse get on his or her feet financially and usually is limited to a specific amount of time.  Permanent alimony may include monthly payments, lump sum payments, annuity payments, or trust payments.  Permanent alimony usually terminates upon the remarriage or romantic cohabitation of the receiving spouse or upon the death of either party. The Law Offices of Judy L. Burger can assist you in pursuing or defending a claim for spousal support.  Judy L. Burger is known for her aggressive representation of clients in high conflict cases in and around the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento areas. If you are in need of assistance regarding alimony, call us today to learn more about how we can help.  Call (415)293-8314 in the San Francisco Bay area or (916) 631-1935 in the Sacramento area, or contact us online via our confidential inquiry form.