When facing divorce in California, one of the most complex and emotionally charged topics is spousal support, also known as alimony. Whether you expect to pay or receive support, understanding how it’s determined can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The experienced family law attorneys at SBEMP help clients throughout the Coachella Valley navigate these financial considerations with clarity and confidence.
What Is Spousal Support?
Spousal support is a court-ordered payment made by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. Its purpose is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living while adjusting to post-marital independence.
There are two main types of spousal support in California:
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Temporary Support: Paid while the divorce is pending, designed to maintain the financial status quo during proceedings.
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Permanent (or Long-Term) Support: Ordered after the divorce is finalized and based on long-term financial need and earning potential.
How Courts Determine Spousal Support
California Family Code §4320 outlines the key factors courts must consider when setting spousal support. These include:
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Length of the marriage
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Each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and employability
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Standard of living during the marriage
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Contributions to the household or spouse’s career
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Age, health, and financial obligations of each party
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Documented evidence of domestic violence or hardship
While temporary support is often determined using county formulas, long-term support requires judicial discretion. SBEMP’s attorneys work to ensure the court has an accurate financial picture—protecting your rights whether you are the paying or receiving spouse.
Duration and Modification of Support
In marriages lasting less than ten years, support typically lasts for half the length of the marriage. For marriages of ten years or more, the court may not set a specific end date. Either party can request a modification if circumstances change, such as income shifts, retirement, or remarriage.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Spousal support can significantly affect your financial future. SBEMP’s family law team provides strategic negotiation and advocacy to help clients achieve fair and sustainable arrangements. From mediation and settlement to litigation, our attorneys ensure that every detail—from income verification to lifestyle documentation—is handled accurately and effectively.
If you’re facing divorce in California, contact SBEMP Attorneys LLP for experienced guidance on spousal support and all aspects of family law.
Have any legal questions? Contact the Attorneys at SBEMP Law Firm:
For more information or to request a consultation please contact the law offices of SBEMP (Slovak, Baron, Empey, Murphy & Pinkney) by clicking here.
SBEMP LLP is a full service law firm with attorney offices in Palm Springs (Palm Desert, Inland Empire, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells), CA; Indian Wells, CA; Costa Mesa (Orange County), CA; San Diego, CA; New Jersey, NJ; and New York, NY.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading it. This blog post may be considered ATTORNEY ADVERTISING in some states. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Additional facts or future developments may affect subjects contained within this blog post. Before acting or relying upon any information within this newsletter, seek the advice of an attorney.