What is the difference between spousal support and a property settlement?

In California, spousal support and property settlement are two separate components of divorce proceedings. Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a regular payment made by one spouse to another spouse in order to provide financial support. It can be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis. The court considers a variety of factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support, including both parties’ earning capacity, the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, and any special needs or circumstances. The purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance for the receiving spouse during or after the divorce. A property settlement, on the other hand, is an agreement between two parties that divides the marital property. Marital property includes any real estate, business interests, investments, bank accounts, or personal items that were acquired during the marriage. The agreement outlines how the assets and debts will be divided during the divorce, and in what amounts. It also sets out spousal support terms and conditions, if applicable. The ultimate goal of a property settlement is to divide the assets and liabilities in a fair and equitable way. It is important to understand the differences between spousal support and a property settlement in order to navigate the divorce process successfully.

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What is the difference between spousal support and a property settlement?

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