Spousal Support in California
State-specific overview · Family Law
California uses a statutory formula for spousal support amount (40–50% of the difference in gross income) and duration tied to marriage length.
How California treats Spousal Support
California Family Code § 4320 and related statutes establish that spousal support amount is generally 40% of the higher-earning spouse's gross income minus 50% of the lower-earning spouse's gross income, subject to court discretion. Duration is commonly one-half the length of the marriage for marriages under 10 years; marriages of 10+ years may result in indefinite support. The court considers factors including standard of living, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage. Support terminates upon remarriage of the recipient, death of either party, or court modification due to changed circumstances.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in California.