Overview of Spousal Support

Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is a payment from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce or legal separation. In California, spousal support is designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what they enjoyed during the marriage, while also encouraging that spouse to become self-supporting within a reasonable period of time.

Unlike child support, which is calculated using a mathematical formula, spousal support at the judgment stage is determined by the court’s evaluation of numerous factors. Understanding these mandatory factors is important for anyone seeking or opposing a spousal support order.

Family Code Section 4320: The Statutory Factors

Family Code section 4320 sets forth the factors the court must consider when awarding permanent or long-term spousal support at the time of judgment. The court is required to consider each of these factors and may not ignore any of them, though the weight given to each factor varies depending on the facts of the case.

Standard of Living and Ability to Pay

The marital standard of living is a key benchmark for spousal support. Under subsection d, the court considers the standard of living established during the marriage. The goal is not necessarily to replicate the marital standard for both parties, which is often impossible when one household becomes two, but to use it as a reference point.

The ability of the supporting party to pay spousal support is equally important. Under subsection c, the court considers the supporting spouse’s earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, and standard of living.

Need

The court considers the needs of the requesting party. This includes housing costs, transportation, food, healthcare, and other reasonable living expenses. The court effectively balances the supported spouse’s need against the supporting spouse’s ability to pay.

The marketable skills of the supported party is also a central factor. The court considers the supported spouse’s education, training, and job skills, as well as whether the job market has demand for those skills. If the supported spouse sacrificed career development to raise children or support the other spouse’s career, this factor weighs in favor of support.

Duration of the Marriage

The length of the marriage is one of the most significant factors. Under Family Code section 4336, a marriage of less than ten years is generally considered a short-term marriage, and the court typically orders support for a period equal to half the length of the marriage. A marriage of ten years or more is considered a long-term marriage, and the court retains jurisdiction to award support indefinitely, meaning there is no automatic termination date.

For a long-term marriage, the court may order support for an indefinite duration, subject to modification based on changed circumstances. This does not mean that support will last forever, but it means the court keeps the ability to order support if needed. For short-term marriages, the expectation is that the supported spouse will become self-supporting within a reasonable period.

Additional Section 4320 Factors

The court must also consider the obligations and assets of each party, including separate property. A spouse who received a substantial separate property award in the divorce may have less need for support.

The age and health of both parties can also be important. A spouse who is elderly or in poor health may have greater difficulty becoming self-supporting.

Documented evidence of any history of domestic violence between the parties is a factor that can affect the amount and duration of support. Under subsection i, the court must consider domestic violence perpetrated by either party.

The court may also consider all other factors it determines just and equitable. This catch-all provision gives the court flexibility to consider circumstances unique to a particular case.

The Goal of Self-Sufficiency

Subsection l provides that the court shall consider the goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time. For marriages of less than ten years, a reasonable period of time is generally defined as half the length of the marriage, though the court has discretion to adjust this period based on the circumstances.

This factor reflects California’s policy that spousal support is not intended to be a permanent entitlement but rather a bridge to self sufficiency. The supported spouse is expected to make good-faith efforts to become self-supporting, and failure to do so can be grounds for reducing or terminating support.

Practical Advice for Spousal Support Cases

Whether you are seeking or opposing spousal support, prepare evidence addressing each of the spousal support factors. This includes Income and Expense Declarations (FL-150), evidence of the marital standard of living, documentation of the supported spouse’s education, training, and employment history, evidence of the supporting spouse’s income and ability to pay, and any relevant evidence of domestic violence, health issues, or other special circumstances.

A vocational evaluation may be useful to establish the supported spouse’s earning capacity. Courts frequently rely on vocational experts to assess what a spouse could reasonably earn given their education, skills, and work history.

Disclaimer: This article on California family law is published for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Family law issues are fact-specific and complex. Consult with a licensed family law attorney for specific advice about your case.