Many people in California are familiar with the former Spice Girl and current judge on America’s Got Talent, Mel B. These people may also be aware that she is currently going through what seems to be a very bitter divorce that began with her seeking a restraining order against her ex-husband.
Well the fight is continuing after her ex-husband filed documents with the court for spousal support. His request includes $11,000 a month for his housing, $4,300 for food and groceries, $2,000 for clothes and $750 for his cell phone. Mel B objected to these requests calling some of them exorbitant, especially the $750 for one cell phone.
Spousal support in California is very fact specific and the amount one receives is partially based on the lifestyle that the couple was accustomed to during the marriage. Most people are not accustomed to the lifestyle Mel B and her husband enjoyed, so those requests do seem very high, but ultimately part of the decision will be based on the amount he needs to continue to live that lifestyle.
There are also other factors that go into a spousal support award. These include the ability of the paying spouse to pay it, the age and health of the parties and others. So just because people were used to a certain lifestyle does not mean they will get everything they think they deserve or need.
Many people in California are divorced each year. There are many issues that will need to be sorted out including spousal support. While most spousal support awards will not come close to the requests of Mel B’s ex-husband, it still can be a significant issue for the parties. Most of the issues in a divorce are very fact specific though and the outcomes vary greatly based on that. Experienced attorneys understand the law and how it applies to various facts and may be able to guide one through it.
Source: Yahoo.com, “Mel B rejects ex-husband’s demands including $4,300 a month of groceries,” June 23, 2017