How spousal support works

Spousal support (sometimes called alimony) in California has two phases: temporary support during the case, and long-term support after the judgment.

Temporary support is calculated by formula in most counties — typically 40% of the higher earner's net income minus 50% of the lower earner's net income. It's designed to maintain the status quo while the case is pending.

Long-term support is calculated by a multi-factor analysis (Cal. Fam. Code § 4320): length of the marriage, standard of living, each spouse's ability to earn, supported spouse's contributions to the supporting spouse's career, hardships, balance of assets, and several other factors.

Marriages under 10 years: support typically lasts half the length of the marriage.

Marriages over 10 years: courts retain jurisdiction to award support indefinitely, though "indefinitely" rarely means "forever." Most long-term support steps down or terminates eventually.

You can waive spousal support entirely by agreement. Many uncontested couples do.

Specific support amounts and durations are strategy questions — that's an attorney's job, not Amie's.