Practice areas · Support
Child & spousal support
Money in the bank is part of getting stable. Abby makes sure support is based on the full financial picture, not just the parts that are easy to see.
Request a consultationWhat to know about support in California
Child support follows a formula
A statewide guideline based mainly on each parent's income and how much time each spends with the children.
Spousal support is different
Temporary support during a case is often calculated by formula. Long-term support turns on factors like the length of the marriage and each spouse's earning capacity.
Complex income matters
Bonuses, equity compensation and self-employment income can change the numbers significantly.
Orders can change
Support can be modified when income or circumstances change.
How Abby approaches support
- 1
Stabilize
Temporary support, if it's needed, so the household keeps running while the case moves forward.
- 2
Gather
Every income source, documented: salary, bonuses, equity, business income and benefits.
- 3
Resolve
A support arrangement grounded in real numbers, agreed where possible and argued where it isn't.
Common questions
How much child support will there be?
It comes from California's guideline formula, using both parents' incomes and the parenting schedule. Once the income picture is clear, Abby can run the numbers with you.
How long does spousal support last?
It depends. For marriages under ten years, a common starting point is about half the length of the marriage. Longer marriages may have no set end date.
My ex's income changed. Can support change too?
Usually, yes. Either side can ask the court to modify support when there's a meaningful change in circumstances.