Loading…
California treats spousal support in two very different ways, and this tool explains both. Temporary (pendente lite) support — ordered while the divorce is pending — is usually set by a local guideline formula that many counties base on roughly 40% of the higher earner's net income minus 50% of the lower earner's, adjusted for child support. Long-term (post-judgment) support has no formula at all: a judge weighs the Family Code §4320 factors.
The §4320 factors include the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity and needs, the marital standard of living, contributions to the other's education or career, age and health, and more. Because there is no formula for long-term support, amounts and duration vary widely — which is why this tool gives an illustrative figure and a checklist of the factors to raise with your attorney rather than a single answer.
Temporary support is usually set by a county guideline formula — commonly around 40% of the higher earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner's, adjusted for child support. Formulas vary by county, so treat the figure as illustrative.
Long-term support has no formula. A judge weighs the Family Code §4320 factors — marriage length, earning capacity, standard of living, contributions, age and health, and others. Our tool lists them so you can prepare your position.
For marriages under 10 years, support often runs about half the length of the marriage; for marriages of 10 years or more, the court may not set a definite end date. Duration is discretionary and fact-specific.
Temporary-support guideline formulas use net income. Enter each spouse's net monthly income for the illustrative figure; long-term support then turns on the §4320 factors rather than a formula.
No. Temporary support varies by county and judges can deviate; long-term support has no formula. Use the estimate and factor checklist to prepare, then consult a California family-law attorney.
Ready to talk to an attorney about your specific situation? San Diego divorce & family lawyers →