Legal Question in Family Law in California

spousal support

My wife and I divorced several years ago. We used a mediator for the divorce. Two kids = child support. I had to pay $900/mo per child (2 kids = $1800/mo). There was no spousal support noted in the final papers because our respective incomes were similar. Per the agreement I had to pay for each child till age 18/19 depending on college. When my daughter turned 19 she was still in school and I agreed, verbally to continue support. When my daughter turned 21 this year I told my ex I was reducing support by half. My ex now wants to receive spousal support to make up the difference. She wants to take us back to the mediator and try to get the document and our financial records re-reviewed because as she recalls, she could have gotten alimony but it was only for $100/mo and she rejected that amount because it was so low. Can the document be changed? Should I make her sue me or can I go with her to the mediator without risk?


Asked on 6/22/09, 3:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
PATRICK MCCRARY PATRICK MCCRARY

Re: spousal support

I don't think that there is harm in going back to the mediator, except the cost to you. However, you should not agree to any amount of support until you talk to a family law attorney. You may be signing up for more than you are planning. You do not need to tell them you are talking to an attorney, If the mediator suggests any spousal support just tell them you want a few days to think it over. Good Luck, Pat McCrary

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Answered on 6/23/09, 12:33 pm


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