Spousal Support

Spousal support, formerly referred to as alimony, is the award of monthly payments by one spouse to another. A court may order spousal support after permanent separation or after a divorce is finalized.

For marriages lasting less than ten years in duration, courts typically award support for half the length of the marriage. For marriages of ten years or more, courts may award permanent alimony until the spouse receiving the support remarries or until the death of either of the spouses.

In calculating the amount of support, courts consider the factors enumerated in Section 4320 of the California Family Code. Among such factors, courts must consider: the income and earnings of each party; earning capacity; age and health of the parties; obligations and assets of each party; and the needs of each party based on the standard of living established during the marriage.

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