Spousal support, formerly known as “alimony”, occurs when one spouse, usually ordered by the court, makes monthly payments to the other spouse pending a divorce or legal separation. Spousal support may continue post-dissolution of marriage, depending on certain factors as outlined in California Family Code §4320. Spousal support is separate and different from child support, and is not affected by the gender of the supporting parents. Gone are the days that the husband always pays the wife. For marriages lasting less than ten years, the typical length of spousal support is half the length of the marriage. For marriages lasting longer than ten years, permanent spousal support can be awarded depending on certain circumstances (remarriage or death, for example).

In determining the amount of spousal support awarded, the court considers the following factors: 1 – each party’s income and earnings, 2 – earning capacity, 3 – the age of the parties, 4 – the health of the parties, 5 – obligations and assets of each party, 6 – length and standard of living during the marriage, 7 – education, job skills, or occupations, and 8 – financial sacrifices made by either party.