Alimony Attorney in El Cajon
40+ Years Serving San Diego. Real Estate Insight Built Into Every Case.
Law Offices of Andrew H. Griffin III has handled family law matters for San Diego area clients since 1983. Our bilingual team, fluent in English and Spanish, is available by text or phone around the clock so you can reach us when you need to.
If you’re facing a spousal support dispute in El Cajon, call us at (619) 853-3009 to schedule a consultation.
A Real Estate Broker’s Perspective on Your Case
Spousal support determinations often hinge on the value of what a couple owns together, and the marital home is typically the largest asset at issue. Our lead attorney holds a California real estate broker’s license alongside his law license, which means we can evaluate the home and any other real property with a level of precision that goes beyond a standard family law review. That dual background directly informs how we approach asset valuation within a spousal support case.
No two marriages have the same financial picture. We develop a personalized strategy for each client, whether you’re seeking support, contesting an amount, or trying to understand what a fair outcome looks like given your circumstances.
How California Courts Determine Spousal Support
California Family Code Section 4320 sets out the factors a judge must weigh when setting spousal support. The list is comprehensive: each spouse’s earning capacity and marketable skills, contributions one spouse made to the other’s education or career, the length of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, and the supporting spouse’s ability to pay, among others. The marital standard of living during the marriage serves as the benchmark against which the supported spouse’s needs are measured.
No single factor controls the outcome. Courts exercise broad discretion in weighing all relevant circumstances, which is why the facts of your specific case matter. California is a no-fault divorce state, so marital misconduct generally doesn’t determine alimony. One exception: a documented history of domestic violence between the parties is a statutory factor courts must consider under Section 4320.
Client Testimonials
Our Clients Come First
What Our Family Law Clients Say
Spousal support cases are among the most personal matters we handle. Read what past clients have shared about working with our team.
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"Andrew went above and beyond to answer my questions and help me over numerous days."Andrew went above and beyond to answer my questions and help me over numerous days.- M.W.
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"I realized from the moment I met Mr. Griffin I was dealing with a professional and that if he couldn't help, then nobody could."I realized from the moment I met Mr. Griffin I was dealing with a professional and that if he couldn't help, then nobody could.- D.M.
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"He is extensively knowledgeable and is direct with his communication as to each situation and how it should be handled."He is extensively knowledgeable and is direct with his communication as to each situation and how it should be handled.- M.S.
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"You can count on him to get the job done and get it done right. I truly appreciate all the work he has done for us over the years."You can count on him to get the job done and get it done right. I truly appreciate all the work he has done for us over the years. We have been thoroughly satisfied with every outcome.- C.F.
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"I would strongly and have recommended Mr. Griffin for anyone who needs a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy attorney."I had lost faith in attorneys until I was referred to the Law Offices of Andrew H. Griffin III, APC. I had the feeling that he was working for my best interests and not motivated by money.- R.B.
Where Spousal Support Cases Are Heard in El Cajon
Family law matters for El Cajon residents, including alimony and spousal support proceedings, are heard at the East County Regional Center, the San Diego Superior Court location serving El Cajon and the broader East County area, including La Mesa and Spring Valley. Our team knows this courthouse and the local procedures that apply to family law filings there.
How Federal & California Law Tax Spousal Support Differently
Federal tax law changed significantly on January 1, 2019. For divorce or separation agreements executed after that date, the paying spouse can no longer deduct spousal support payments, and the receiving spouse no longer reports them as taxable income. This shift from prior law can affect how support amounts are negotiated.
California’s state tax treatment adds another layer. For agreements made before January 1, 2026, California did not mirror the federal approach: the paying spouse could still deduct support payments on a state return, and the receiving spouse still had to report them as state taxable income. A 2025 change in state law brought California in line with federal treatment for agreements made on or after January 1, 2026, so those newer agreements are generally non-deductible and non-taxable at the state level as well. Older agreements typically keep the prior tax treatment unless modified. Because this layered timeline can affect how a support amount is structured, we recommend working alongside your accountant or financial advisor to consider the full picture.
Schedule a Consultation About Your Spousal Support Matter
Whether you’re entering a divorce and want to understand what alimony may look like, or you need to modify or enforce an existing order, we’re ready to help. Our El Cajon office has served this community for over 40 years, and our bilingual team is here so nothing gets lost in the process.
Call (619) 853-3009 or send us a text to schedule your consultation with Law Offices of Andrew H. Griffin III.