Spousal support/Alimony?

What is the name of your state? California

I have been seperated for over 4 years now. both myself & wife have been involved in another relationship for at least 3 years. my wife has just served me with divorce papers asking for spousal support & half the house & pension. we were married 10 years 11 month with a previous seperation of at least 18 months prior to purchasing the house & reconciling. she has alway's worked through the marriage & has been continously employed since she left 4 years ago. she does & has always earned less than I & I recently received pay raises in the last year due to a promotion at my job. currently we have not even spoke to each other in over 3 years. will i have to pay alimony or spousal support & if so how long.

[VG1013]

Originally posted by gwall
What is the name of your state? California

I have been seperated for over 4 years now. both myself & wife have been involved in another relationship for at least 3 years. my wife has just served me with divorce papers asking for spousal support & half the house & pension. we were married 10 years 11 month with a previous seperation of at least 18 months prior to purchasing the house & reconciling. she has alway's worked through the marriage & has been continously employed since she left 4 years ago. she does & has always earned less than I & I recently received pay raises in the last year due to a promotion at my job. currently we have not even spoke to each other in over 3 years. will i have to pay alimony or spousal support & if so how long.

~~~ Alimony or spousal support may be awarded to either spouse for their support after the divorce. Alimony payments are designed to help with financial obligations of the receiving spouse and to maintain a similar lifestyle. Since a majority of spouses both work rewarding alimony is not extremely common although it does exist. Most of the time alimony is rewarded for a short period of time just to help the receiving spouse get on his or her feet again. California is a "community property" state. All community property is divided equally between the spouses.