Spousal Support Attorney in Southern California

Understanding Spousal Support in California

For many people facing divorce, the amount of spousal support — also called alimony — they will receive or be required to pay is a central concern. In California, spousal support is governed by Family Code §4320 and is determined based on a balancing of specific statutory factors rather than a fixed formula.

Attorney Denise Furubotten has handled spousal support matters for 30 years, representing both paying and receiving spouses across a wide range of financial circumstances — from straightforward short-term marriages to long-term marriages with complex income structures.

Factors California Courts Consider

Under California Family Code §4320, courts consider the following factors in awarding spousal support:

• The extent to which the earning capacity of each party is sufficient to maintain the marital standard of living
• The extent to which the supported party contributed to the other party's education or career
• The ability of the supporting party to pay
• The needs of each party based on the marital standard of living
• The obligations and assets of each party
• The duration of the marriage
• The ability of the supported party to engage in gainful employment without unduly interfering with the interests of dependent children
• The age and health of each party
• Any documented history of domestic violence
• The tax consequences of a support award
• The balance of hardships to each party
• The goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time

Temporary vs. Long-Term Spousal Support

California courts may award temporary spousal support during the pendency of a divorce proceeding to maintain the status quo, and then enter a final (permanent) spousal support order as part of the divorce judgment. For marriages under ten years, support is generally ordered for half the length of the marriage. For marriages of ten years or longer, the court retains jurisdiction over support indefinitely unless otherwise agreed.

Modification and Termination of Spousal Support

Spousal support orders can be modified or terminated upon a showing of changed circumstances — such as a significant change in either party's income, the supported party becoming self-supporting, the supported party remarrying (which automatically terminates support under Family Code §4337), or the death of either party.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Author: Denise Furubotten, Esq.

Spousal Support in California — Common Questions

Spousal support calculator california (XSpouse software) computes guideline temporary support based on both parties' gross incomes. Alimony calculator california: same tool — estimates temporary support only; long-term support is set by judicial discretion. California alimony guidelines: Family Code section 4320's fourteen factors govern long-term support. Determining spousal support california: judicial discretion applying the 4320 factors — not a fixed formula. What disqualifies you from alimony in california? Domestic violence conviction against the other spouse within five years of filing creates a rebuttable presumption against receiving support. Cohabitation with a new partner creates a presumption of reduced need for support. Divorce alimony calculator results are temporary estimates only. How long can alimony last in california? Approximately half the marriage length for marriages under ten years; indefinitely modifiable for marriages over ten years. How long do you pay alimony in california? Until the court terminates the order, the recipient remarries, or either party dies. Alimony after 20 years of marriage in california: courts retain indefinite jurisdiction with no presumed end date. California alimony laws do not set a fixed percentage formula for support — the section 4320 factors govern. Ca spousal support calculator: XSpouse at any family law attorney's office. Spousal abandonment and its effect on support: a spouse who abandoned the other without financial support during the marriage may face larger support awards accounting for the period of abandonment. Divorce modification lawyer for support changes: modification requires showing material changed circumstances since the prior order. Legal separation lawyers handle support in legal separation proceedings using the same section 4320 standards.

Spousal Support -- When It Applies and When It Ends

When does alimony stop in California? Spousal support ends automatically when: the supported spouse remarries (Family Code section 4337 -- automatic termination, no motion required); either party dies; or the court enters an order terminating support. Support does not end automatically when the supported spouse begins living with a new partner -- cohabitation creates a rebuttable presumption of reduced need under Family Code section 4323, but the supporting spouse must file a motion to modify or terminate support, and the court must make the order. Simply moving in with someone does not end the support obligation until the court says so.

How much spousal support will I get or pay in California? Temporary support during the case is calculated using the XSpouse software and is based primarily on the parties' incomes and tax situations. Long-term support set in the judgment is not a formula -- it is the court's exercise of discretion across the 14 factors in Family Code section 4320. The most important factors are the marital standard of living, each party's earning capacity, the length of the marriage, and the supported party's ability to become self-supporting. Specific numbers can only be estimated by analyzing your specific income, expense, and asset situation.