If you think understanding spousal support amounts and duration is complicated, wait until you try to figure out the tax implications! This is where things get genuinely confusing, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that California has created one of the most perplexing spousal support tax situations in the country.

But here’s critical news if you’re divorcing in 2026 or later: California just changed the rules. Starting January 1, 2026, California will finally conform to federal tax law for spousal support. This means the split tax treatment I’m about to describe will only apply to agreements finalized before the end of 2025. Let me explain what this means for you.

The current situation through December 31, 2025

Right now, federal and California state tax law treat spousal support completely differently. What’s not deductible or taxable at the federal level IS deductible and taxable at the state level. This creates a split treatment that confuses taxpayers, accountants, and even some attorneys.

Before January 1, 2019, the paying spouse could deduct alimony payments from their taxable income, and the receiving spouse had to report it as taxable income. This created a tax benefit that could be shared between spouses and made spousal support more economically efficient.

Then came the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which eliminated the alimony deduction for federal taxes. For any divorce or separation agreement executed after December 31, 2018, spousal support is no longer deductible by the payer and no longer taxable income to the recipient at the federal level.

This was a massive change. It fundamentally altered the economics of spousal support because the paying spouse now pays with fully taxed dollars, while the receiving spouse receives tax-free money.

California said “not so fast”—but only temporarily

When the federal government eliminated the alimony deduction, California chose not to follow suit. For California state income tax purposes, spousal support has remained deductible by the paying spouse and still counts as taxable income for the receiving spouse through the end of 2025.

This created an unusual situation where you have one tax treatment for federal taxes and a completely different tax treatment for California state taxes. The same spousal support payment is not deductible on your federal return, but is deductible on your California return. It’s not federally taxable income to the recipient, but it is taxable income for California purposes.

The big change starting January 1, 2026

California recently enacted Senate Bill 711, which will conform California’s tax treatment of spousal support to federal law. For any spousal support agreement entered into after December 31, 2025, spousal support will be neither deductible for the paying spouse nor taxable income for the receiving spouse at both the federal and California state level.

This change also applies to modifications of existing agreements made after December 31, 2025, but only if the modification expressly provides that Senate Bill 711 applies. If you have an existing spousal support agreement in California and you modify it after 2025 without specifically invoking SB 711, the old tax treatment should continue to apply to that agreement.

What this means if you’re finalizing your divorce before 2026

If your divorce agreement is executed before January 1, 2026, you’ll still have the split tax treatment I described. Let me use real numbers to show how this works. Say you’re paying $3,000 per month in spousal support, or $36,000 per year. You’re in the 24% federal tax bracket and the 9.3% California tax bracket.

For your federal taxes, you get no deduction for that $36,000. It comes out of your after-tax income. If you’re earning $150,000, you’re taxed on the full $150,000 at the federal level.

For your California taxes, you can deduct that $36,000. So your California taxable income would be $114,000, saving you about $3,348 in California state taxes.

Now flip to the receiving spouse. They receive $36,000 in spousal support. For federal tax purposes, they pay no tax on it—it’s tax-free income. For California tax purposes, they have to report it as income and pay California income tax on it. If they’re in the 9.3% California bracket, they’d owe about $3,348 in California taxes on that support.

See how this works? The federal and state treatments are mirror images, but the confusion of tracking this split treatment is real. And it affects how much support each spouse actually values.

Split-screen showing federal tax form with no deduction and California form with deduction checkmark, highlighting tax differences for California Spousal Support. Call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 for guidance on managing spousal support taxes.

What this means if you’re finalizing your divorce in 2026 or later

If your divorce agreement is executed on or after January 1, 2026, the tax treatment becomes much simpler. Spousal support will be completely tax-neutral. The paying spouse gets no deduction at either the federal or state level. The receiving spouse owes no tax on the support at either the federal or state level.

This simplification eliminates the confusion of tracking different treatments for federal and state returns, but it also changes the economics of spousal support negotiations. The paying spouse will be paying entirely with after-tax dollars and will receive no tax benefit whatsoever. The receiving spouse will be receiving entirely tax-free income.

Important timing for California Spousal Support tax rules. Call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 to plan spousal support with optimal tax timing.

The timing matters enormously

If you’re in the middle of divorce negotiations and your case might extend into 2026, timing becomes a critical strategic consideration. Finalizing your agreement before December 31, 2025 means you’ll maintain the California deduction and taxable treatment. Finalizing after January 1, 2026 means you’ll have the simpler but potentially less tax-efficient fully tax-neutral treatment.

Which is better? It depends entirely on your specific circumstances, your relative tax brackets, and your financial situations. In some cases, the California deduction provides real value that can make higher support amounts economically feasible. In other cases, the simplicity and predictability of the new tax-neutral treatment might be preferable.

Man analyzing financial documents and calendar for strategic planning of California Spousal Support taxes. Call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 for expert alimony tax guidance.

The negotiation implications are significant

This change fundamentally affects how we need to think about spousal support negotiations, making a mediator with financial expertise even more invaluable. We need to think through the real after-tax economics of any support proposal under the specific tax regime that will apply to your agreement.

For agreements finalized before 2026 with the split treatment, there’s still some tax efficiency to work with. The paying spouse receives a California state deduction, which effectively subsidizes part of the support through reduced state taxes. The receiving spouse pays California tax, but often at a lower rate. This creates some tax benefit that can be shared between spouses.

For agreements finalized in 2026 or later with full tax neutrality, there’s no tax benefit to work with at all. The paying spouse is paying entirely with after-tax dollars with no deductions anywhere. This means they have less ability to pay higher amounts because they get no tax break whatsoever. From a paying spouse’s perspective, every dollar of support costs them a full dollar of earnings.

From the receiving spouse’s perspective, they’re getting entirely tax-free money, which is valuable. But without the California deduction benefiting the paying spouse, there may be less money available to negotiate for in the first place.

In mediation, I help couples calculate the real after-tax value of different support proposals under whichever tax regime will apply to their agreement. We can’t just look at the gross numbers—we need to understand what each spouse actually nets after all taxes are paid. This kind of analysis requires understanding the federal and California tax treatment and doing the math correctly for your specific timing.

You can still choose not to take the California deduction (for pre-2026 agreements)

For agreements finalized before January 1, 2026, you’re not required to take the California state tax deduction for spousal support. You can choose not to claim it as a deduction on your state taxes, which means the receiving spouse doesn’t have to report it as taxable income for California purposes. This essentially allows you to opt into the post-2025 treatment even if your agreement is finalized before 2026.

Why would you ever choose not to take a tax deduction? There are actually several good reasons. Maybe you want to simplify your taxes and align your federal and state treatment. Maybe you’re negotiating a specific support amount and you’re willing to give up the California deduction in exchange for other concessions. Maybe you’re trying to structure your agreement in a way that will feel more fair and sustainable over time.

In mediation, we can discuss whether it makes sense to opt out of the California tax treatment for pre-2026 agreements. We can run the numbers both ways and see which approach creates better overall outcomes for your specific situation. This flexibility is one of the advantages of negotiating cooperatively—you can structure your agreement in ways that make the most sense for your circumstances.

The complexity of doing your taxes

For agreements finalized before 2026, let me be honest about the practical challenges you’ll face at tax time. You’ll need to complete your federal tax return treating spousal support as neither deductible nor taxable. Then you’ll need to complete your California return with spousal support treated as deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient.

Your tax software should handle this automatically if you input the information correctly, but you need to make sure you’re categorizing things properly. If you work with an accountant, they need to understand this split treatment. Not all tax preparers are entirely up to speed on the spousal support rules, particularly this federal-state split.

For agreements finalized in 2026 or later, your taxes become much simpler. You’ll treat spousal support the same way on both your federal and California returns—as neither deductible nor taxable. This eliminates much of the confusion and potential for error.

You’ll still need to report spousal support correctly to the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board. There are specific forms and reporting requirements. Getting this wrong can trigger audits or notices you’ll need to address.

Documentation matters

Because of the tax implications and the timing of this change, documenting your spousal support agreement is more critical than ever. Your divorce settlement agreement should clearly specify the amount of support, the duration, and the date the agreement is executed. The execution date determines which tax regime applies to your agreement.

If your agreement is executed before January 1, 2026, you should specify whether you’re opting out of the California tax treatment. If you modify an existing agreement after December 31, 2025, you need to specify whether the modification expressly invokes Senate Bill 711 and adopts the new tax-neutral treatment.

If you’re taking the California deduction for a pre-2026 agreement, you need to be prepared to document that these payments meet the legal requirements for deductible alimony. They must be made pursuant to a divorce or separation agreement, paid to or on behalf of your ex-spouse, and designated as spousal support.

Why my financial expertise matters here

I’m not a CPA or a tax attorney, and I always recommend clients work with qualified tax professionals for specific tax advice. But having a mediator who understands the financial and tax implications of spousal support arrangements is invaluable when negotiating your agreement, especially during this transition period.

I can help you understand the after-tax economics of different proposals under the tax regime that will apply to your agreement. I can explain how the timing of your agreement execution affects your tax treatment. I can help you think through whether it makes sense to finalize before or after the 2026 change, or whether to opt out of California tax treatment for a pre-2026 agreement. I can structure support arrangements that are tax-efficient and compliant with the rules.

This is precisely where my MBA in Finance and my training from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysis come into play. The tax implications of spousal support aren’t just technical details—they’re fundamental to determining what amounts are fair and sustainable. Getting this wrong can cost you thousands of dollars or create arrangements that don’t actually work financially.

The bottom line on taxes and support

The tax treatment of spousal support in California is changing in a major way. Through December 31, 2025, California has a split treatment where federal and state law diverge. Starting January 1, 2026, California will conform to federal law and spousal support will be tax-neutral at both levels for new agreements.

This transition creates both complexity and opportunity. The timing of your agreement execution matters enormously. Understanding whether the split treatment or the tax-neutral treatment applies to your situation is critical to negotiating fair spousal support. You need to look beyond the gross numbers and understand the after-tax reality under the specific tax regime that applies to your agreement.

In mediation, we work through these tax implications together so you can make informed decisions about support that reflect the real financial impact on both of you. The tax rules are complex and changing, but your agreement doesn’t have to be confusing. It just needs to be thoughtfully structured by someone like me who understands what’s at stake and can help you navigate this transition effectively.

“You may have researched how alimony works in your state. But in my experience, regardless of whether a state offers guidance on how to resolve alimony, often, couples negotiate their own agreement tailored to their unique situation and circumstances.

So you have a lot of flexibility and can maintain a lot of control if you negotiate the terms of alimony out of court with the help of a skilled professional using an alternative dispute resolution process like divorce mediation or a collaborative divorce .

You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will more likely come to an alimony arrangement that's acceptable to both of you."

Joe Dillon headshot

Joe Dillon | Divorce Mediator & Founder

FAQs About Alimony in California

Alimony, legally referred to as spousal support or maintenance in California, is a court-ordered financial payment that one spouse provides to the other during separation, divorce proceedings, or after the marriage has been dissolved. The fundamental purpose of these support payments is to assist the lower-earning spouse in maintaining a reasonable standard of living and achieving financial independence following the end of the marital relationship. California Family Code sections 4320 through 4360 govern how spousal maintenance operates within the state’s family law system. The process works in two distinct phases: temporary support during divorce proceedings (sometimes called pendente lite support) and long-term or permanent support established in the final divorce judgment. Courts evaluate numerous factors when making support determinations, including each party’s earning capacity, the marital standard of living, the duration of the marriage, and the financial needs and abilities of both spouses. Unlike child support, which follows specific calculation guidelines, spousal maintenance awards involve considerable judicial discretion based on the unique circumstances of each divorcing couple.

The duration of spousal support payments in California primarily depends on the length of the marriage and the type of support ordered. For marriages lasting fewer than ten years (considered short-term marriages), California courts commonly establish support duration at approximately half the length of the marriage. For example, if a couple was married for six years, the supported spouse might receive maintenance for roughly three years, although this is a general guideline rather than a strict rule. Marriages of ten years or longer are classified as long-duration marriages under California Family Code Section 4336, and these cases receive different treatment. For long-duration marriages, judges retain jurisdiction indefinitely and cannot set a definite termination date at the time of judgment, meaning support could potentially continue for many years depending on circumstances. However, this does not guarantee lifetime alimony; instead, it means the court can revisit and modify the support arrangement as long as the order remains active. Support automatically terminates upon certain events, including the death of either party, the remarriage of the supported spouse, or when the court determines the supported spouse no longer needs assistance or has become self-supporting. The reasonable period for support is determined by how long it would take the supported spouse to obtain the education, training, or work experience necessary to become financially independent.

California judges must evaluate an extensive list of statutory factors outlined in Family Code Section 4320 when determining both the amount and duration of long-term spousal support. These mandatory considerations include the marketable skills and earning capacity of each spouse, along with the job market for those particular skills and any time or expenses required for the supported spouse to acquire education or training for employment. Courts examine the extent to which the supported spouse’s earning capacity was impaired by periods of unemployment during the marriage to permit devotion to domestic duties, recognizing career sacrifices made for the family’s benefit. The standard of living established during the marriage carries significant weight, as courts attempt to allow both parties to maintain a lifestyle reasonably comparable to what they enjoyed while married. Each party’s assets, debts, income from all sources, and overall financial needs are analyzed in detail. The court also considers the duration of the marriage, recognizing that longer marriages typically warrant longer support obligations. The age and health of both spouses factor into determinations, as physical or mental conditions may affect earning ability and financial needs. The ability of the supporting spouse to pay support while meeting their own reasonable needs is balanced against the needs of the spouse seeking support. Additional factors include documented evidence of domestic violence, the balance of hardships to each party, and the goal that the supported spouse become self-supporting within a reasonable period. Tax consequences, though changed by recent federal law, remain relevant for California state tax purposes. Finally, judges may consider any other factors deemed just and equitable in the particular circumstances of the case.

California employs different approaches for temporary versus permanent spousal support calculations. For temporary support during divorce proceedings, most counties use a computer-based guideline formula, often called the “DissoMaster” or “XSpouse” calculator, which generates a support amount based primarily on the parties’ incomes and certain deductions. A common rough estimate suggests taking 35 to 45 percent of the higher earner’s income and subtracting 40 to 50 percent of the lower earner’s income, though actual calculations involve more complexity. This computerized approach provides consistency and predictability during the interim period while the divorce is pending. However, for long-term or permanent spousal support established in the final divorce judgment, California law explicitly prohibits using a formula. Instead, it requires judges to apply the comprehensive Family Code Section 4320 factors discussed above. Courts must consider each statutory factor and make specific findings about the circumstances of the marriage, earning capacities, needs, standard of living, and other relevant considerations. This means there is no mathematical formula or calculator that can definitively determine permanent support amounts; instead, each case requires individualized analysis of the unique facts and circumstances. The judge exercises considerable discretion in weighing these factors and determining what constitutes a fair and reasonable support arrangement. Spouses can negotiate and agree upon any support amount and duration they find mutually acceptable. Still, if they cannot reach an agreement, the judge must use the multi-factor analysis rather than any predetermined calculation to establish the support order.

The widely misunderstood “ten-year rule” refers to how California courts treat marriages of long duration, defined explicitly in California Family Code Section 4336 as marriages lasting ten years or more from the date of marriage to the date of separation. The misconception is that crossing the ten-year threshold automatically guarantees lifetime alimony payments, but this is legally incorrect. What actually happens for marriages of long duration is that the court retains jurisdiction to review and modify spousal support orders indefinitely, meaning there is no automatic cutoff date for the court’s authority to revisit support. For marriages under ten years, courts commonly set support duration at approximately half the marriage length. Once that period expires, the court generally loses jurisdiction unless the order explicitly reserves jurisdiction. In contrast, for long-duration marriages, even though the judge cannot set a definite termination date at the time of judgment, they can establish a review date when the supported spouse must demonstrate continued need for support or face termination. California public policy has evolved away from the outdated concept of permanent lifetime support, as recognized by case law emphasizing that spousal support should last only as long as reasonably necessary for the supported spouse to become self-supporting. The ten-year milestone is significant because it affects the court’s ongoing jurisdiction over support matters, allowing for continued review and modification based on changing circumstances. Still, it does not create an entitlement to indefinite support regardless of circumstances. Factors such as retirement, remarriage, cohabitation, changes in income, or the supported spouse achieving self-sufficiency can all lead to modification or termination even in long-duration marriages.

Remarriage and cohabitation have distinctly different legal effects on spousal support obligations in California. Under California Family Code Section 4337, if the spouse receiving support remarries, spousal support automatically terminates without requiring a court hearing or further legal proceedings. This automatic termination reflects the legal presumption that the new spouse assumes financial responsibility for supporting the remarried party. The supported spouse has a legal obligation to notify the paying spouse about the remarriage; failure to do so can result in a court order requiring repayment of support improperly received after remarriage. This automatic termination rule applies unless the parties’ divorce settlement agreement states explicitly otherwise—spouses can negotiate arrangements where support continues despite remarriage, though this is uncommon. Past-due support obligations and any vested lump-sum payments remain enforceable despite remarriage. Cohabitation—living with a new romantic partner without marriage—does not automatically terminate support but can provide grounds for modification or termination. Under California Family Code Section 4323, cohabitation with a non-marital partner may be considered a changed circumstance that justifies reducing or ending support payments. The paying spouse must file a motion with the court requesting modification and demonstrate that the supported spouse is cohabitating with a partner in a relationship resembling marriage. The court examines whether cohabitation has reduced the supported spouse’s financial needs because they share living expenses and receive support from their new partner. Simply having a roommate does not necessarily qualify, as courts look for evidence of a romantic, committed relationship involving mutual financial support and sharing of resources. The supported spouse can rebut the presumption by proving they still require support despite the living arrangement. The burden falls on the paying spouse to prove that circumstances have changed sufficiently to warrant modification.

California law permits both modification and termination of spousal support orders when circumstances significantly change. However, the process and requirements differ based on the type of support and the duration of marriage. Either spouse can request modification by filing a Request for Order with the family court that issued the original support judgment. The moving party must demonstrate a “material change of circumstances” since the original support order—substantial changes in either party’s financial situation that make the current support amount unfair or inappropriate. Examples of qualifying changes include the paying spouse experiencing involuntary job loss, significant income reduction, disability, or legitimate retirement (typically around age 65), which may justify decreasing support. Conversely, substantial income increases by either party might warrant modification—the paying spouse’s higher earnings could support increased payments, while the supported spouse’s improved income might justify reduction or termination. Health issues, severe illness, or disability affecting either party’s earning capacity or expenses can trigger modifications. The supported spouse’s failure to make reasonable efforts toward self-sufficiency despite court warnings (known as a Gavron warning under Family Code Section 4320) may lead to reduced support or termination. Courts can assign “imputed income” to a supported spouse who voluntarily remains unemployed or underemployed despite having marketable skills and available employment opportunities. Cohabitation with a new partner, as discussed above, can justify modification even without remarriage. For marriages under ten years, once the support order expires, courts generally lose jurisdiction to modify unless jurisdiction was specifically reserved. For marriages of extended duration (ten years or more), courts retain indefinite authority to review and modify support. Parties can also negotiate modification agreements outside of court, but court approval is required to make the changes legally enforceable. Temporary support orders during divorce proceedings can be modified more easily than final support orders. It’s important to note that modifications typically take effect only from the date of filing the request, not retroactively, so timing matters significantly.

The tax treatment of spousal support in California is undergoing a significant change that depends on when your divorce agreement is finalized. California recently enacted Senate Bill 711, which will conform California’s tax treatment of spousal support to federal law starting January 1, 2026.

For divorce agreements or court orders executed on or after January 1, 2019 but before January 1, 2026, there is a split between federal and state tax treatment. Federal law eliminated the tax deduction for alimony payments made by the paying spouse, and recipients no longer report spousal support as taxable income on federal returns. However, California did not conform to these federal changes during this period. For California state income tax purposes, spousal support remained tax-deductible for the paying spouse on their California state return, and the receiving spouse had to report support payments as taxable income on their California state tax return. This created a disconnect between federal and state tax treatment, requiring taxpayers to make adjustments on Schedule CA when filing California returns to account for the different treatment of alimony.

Starting January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 711 changes this split treatment for new agreements. For any spousal support agreement entered into after December 31, 2025, spousal support will be neither deductible for the paying spouse nor taxable income for the receiving spouse at both the federal and California state level. This creates complete tax neutrality and eliminates the confusing split treatment that existed from 2019 through 2025. The new tax treatment also applies to modifications of existing agreements made after December 31, 2025, but only if the modification expressly provides that Senate Bill 711 applies. If you modify an existing pre-2026 agreement without specifically invoking SB 711, the old split tax treatment should continue to apply to that agreement.

For divorce or separation agreements executed on or before December 31, 2018, the original tax rules continue to apply at both federal and state levels. Payments remain deductible for the payor and taxable income for the recipient on both federal and California returns, and this federal AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) figure carries over to the California return without adjustment.

Qualification for spousal support in California is not automatic and depends on demonstrating financial need and disparity between the spouses’ circumstances. Generally, the spouse with significantly lower income or earning capacity may qualify for support if they can establish that they need financial assistance to maintain a reasonable standard of living while working toward self-sufficiency. Key qualifying factors include a demonstrable income disparity between spouses, where one spouse lacks sufficient property or income to maintain reasonable needs and the marital standard of living. The supported spouse must demonstrate a need for time to acquire education, training, or work experience that will make them employable and self-supporting, especially if they have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage to fulfill domestic duties or support their partner’s career advancement. Marriages where one spouse is the primary wage earner and the other handles domestic responsibilities or raises children often result in support awards. Courts examine whether the requesting spouse’s earning capacity was diminished during the marriage due to an extended absence from the workforce. Several circumstances can disqualify someone from receiving spousal support or result in denial or termination. If the spouse requesting support has a comparable or higher income, substantial assets, or significant financial resources making support unnecessary, they likely won’t qualify. A valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement waiving spousal support rights is generally enforceable, disqualifying the spouse from seeking court-ordered support unless the contract was executed under duress, fraud, or other circumstances making it unconscionable. Short-term marriages (especially those under three years) may not warrant support, or support duration may be very limited. Evidence that the supported spouse is not making reasonable good-faith efforts toward self-sufficiency despite court orders can lead to termination, especially with a Gavron warning in effect. Remarriage automatically disqualifies the former spouse from continued support. A supported spouse who has achieved self-sufficiency and no longer requires assistance will have support terminated. Receipt of substantial inheritance, lottery winnings, or other financial windfalls may eliminate the need for support. California law also provides that a spouse convicted of domestic violence against their partner may receive reduced support or be ordered to pay additional support beyond what would usually be awarded. Voluntary unemployment or underemployment when capable of working can result in imputed income, reducing or eliminating support eligibility.

California recognizes several distinct types of spousal support, each serving different purposes during and after the divorce process. Temporary spousal support, also known as pendente lite support (Latin for “pending litigation”), is awarded. At the same time, the divorce case is actively ongoing, from the time one party files for divorce until the final judgment is entered. This temporary support helps the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and pay living expenses during what can be a lengthy divorce process. Courts typically calculate temporary support using standardized guideline formulas based primarily on income differences between the spouses, providing quick determinations without extensive litigation over the numerous Family Code Section 4320 factors. Permanent or long-term spousal support is established in the final divorce judgment and continues after the divorce is finalized. Despite the term “permanent,” this support is not necessarily lifelong but instead continues for whatever duration the court deems appropriate based on a comprehensive analysis of all statutory factors. Long-term support requires a detailed examination of the 4320 factors and cannot be calculated by formula. Rehabilitative alimony is a specific type of support designed to provide financial assistance while the supported spouse obtains education, vocational training, or work experience necessary to become self-sufficient. Courts favor rehabilitative support that has a defined end date and a clear plan for the supported spouse to reenter the workforce or enhance their earning capacity. This type commonly applies in shorter marriages where the lower-earning spouse needs only temporary assistance to reestablish their career. Reimbursement spousal support compensates one spouse for financial contributions made toward the other spouse’s education, training, or career development during the marriage. For example, if one spouse worked to put the other through medical school with the understanding that both would benefit from increased future earnings, reimbursement support acknowledges those contributions. Lump-sum alimony provides a one-time payment or property transfer instead of ongoing monthly fees. This arrangement can give finality and avoid continued financial entanglement between former spouses. Modifiable versus non-modifiable support is another important distinction—parties can negotiate that support payments remain fixed and cannot be modified regardless of changed circumstances, or they can preserve the court’s jurisdiction to modify support as circumstances warrant. Couples can also agree to “Smith-Ostler” orders, which include support based on both a base amount and a percentage of any bonuses, commissions, or additional income earned by the paying spouse. However, these orders can be complicated to administer and enforce.

Lay the groundwork for a peaceful divorce

About the Authors – Divorce Mediators You Can Trust

Equitable Mediation Services is a trusted and nationally recognized provider of divorce mediation, serving couples exclusively in California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008, this husband-and-wife team has successfully guided more than 1,000 couples through the complex divorce process, helping them reach amicable, fair, and thorough agreements that balance each of their interests and prioritizes their children’s well-being. All without involving attorneys if they so choose.

At the heart of Equitable Mediation are Joe Dillon, MBA, and Cheryl Dillon, CPC—two compassionate, experienced professionals committed to helping couples resolve divorce’s financial, emotional, and practical issues peacefully and with dignity.

Photo of mediator Joe Dillon at the center of the Equitable Mediation team, all smiling and poised around a conference table ready to assist. Looking for expert, compassionate divorce support? Call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 to connect with our dedicated team today.

Joe Dillon, MBA – Divorce Mediator & Negotiation Expert

As a seasoned Divorce Mediator with an MBA in Finance, Joe Dillon specializes in helping clients navigate complex parental and financial issues, including:

  • Physical and legal custody
  • Spousal support (alimony) and child support
  • Equitable distribution and community property division
  • Business ownership
  • Retirement accounts, stock options, and RSUs

Joe’s unique blend of financial acumen, mediation expertise, and personal insight enables him to skillfully guide couples through complex divorce negotiations, reaching fair agreements that safeguard the family’s emotional and financial well-being.

He brings clarity and structure to even the most challenging negotiations, ensuring both parties feel heard, supported, and in control of their outcome. This approach has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in alternative dispute resolution.

Photo of Cheryl Dillon standing with the Equitable Mediation team in a bright conference room, all smiling and ready to guide clients through an amicable divorce process. For compassionate, expert support from Cheryl Dillon and our team, call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 today.

Cheryl Dillon, CPC – Certified Divorce Coach & Life Transitions Expert

Cheryl Dillon is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and the Divorce Coach at Equitable Mediation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed formal training at The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) – an internationally recognized leader in the field of coaching education.

Her unique blend of emotional intelligence, coaching expertise, and personal insight enables her to guide individuals through divorce’s emotional complexities compassionately.

Cheryl’s approach fosters improved communication, reduced conflict, and better decision-making, equipping clients to manage divorce’s challenges effectively. Because emotions have a profound impact on shaping the divorce process, its outcomes, and future well-being of all involved.

What We Offer: Flat-Fee, Full-Service Divorce Mediation

Equitable Mediation provides:

  • Full-service divorce mediation with real financial expertise
  • Convenient, online sessions via Zoom
  • Unlimited sessions for one customized flat fee (no hourly billing surprises)
  • Child custody and parenting plan negotiation
  • Spousal support and asset division mediation
  • Divorce coaching and emotional support
  • Free and paid educational courses on the divorce process

Whether clients are facing financial complexities, looking to safeguard their children’s futures, or trying to protect everything they’ve worked hard to build, Equitable Mediation has the expertise to guide them towards the outcomes that matter most to them and their families.

Why Couples Choose Equitable Mediation

  • 98% case resolution rate
  • Trusted by over 1,000 families since 2008
  • Subject-matter experts in the states in which they practice
  • Known for confidential, respectful, and cost-effective processes
  • Recommendations by therapists, financial planners, and former clients

Equitable Mediation Services operates in:

  • California: San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles
  • New Jersey: Bridgewater, Morristown, Short Hills
  • Washington: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland
  • New York: NYC, Long Island
  • Illinois: Chicago, North Shore
  • Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County

Schedule a Free Info Call to learn if you’re a good candidate for divorce mediation with Joe and Cheryl.

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