What If My Spouse Has Left & Won't Pay Support?

The first thing to consider is whether you wish to file for divorce.  If you determine that divorce is your best option, then speaking with an attorney will help you decide such issues for children as custody, visitation and support, spousal support and the division of property and/or debt.  Once the divorce has been filed, you can then ask for spousal and/or child support by doing an Order to Show Cause.  If granted, this would allow for support to be paid during the period before the divorce is finalized.  It takes at minimum 6 months and 1 day from the date of service for a divorce in California to be finalized.  Often, people cannot survive without support until the divorce is complete.  Once finalized, the divorce judgment will detail support and all other issues which will need to be followed by the parties.