How alimony works in California and what lawyers can do for you

Divorce already brings enough stress for both parties, emotional, financial, and everything. California is known for its sunny beaches, tech hubs, and fast-paced lifestyle, but behind all that, family life here faces its own struggles. Divorce is one such challenge that many couples go through, and along with the emotional pain comes the financial stress.

In such cases, alimony in California plays an important role in helping the affected. Also called spousal support, it is meant to help one spouse manage expenses and adjust after separation. But the rules are strict, and many don’t fully understand what they are entitled to or how long support can last. If it’s not handled properly, you may lose what is rightfully yours.

What is alimony?

Alimony, or spousal support, means one spouse pays money to the other after separation or divorce. The purpose of this is that the spouse who earns less or can’t earn enough during marriage is supported until they can stand on their own feet.

There are two kinds: temporary support during the divorce process and post-divorce support after judgment.

What alimony can cover

Alimony may cover monthly living expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, sometimes medical costs, and both people’s health insurance payments. Alimony helps maintain a standard of living close to what both had during marriage. Also, it can cover training or education if required for the supported spouse to earn.

Factors that determine alimony in California

The court uses many factors under Family Code § 4320. Some important ones are

Length of marriage
Age and health of both spouses
Income and earning capacity of both sides, basically a background check on what each can earn, education, and job skills
The standard of living during marriage is simply the lifestyle they had together.
Contributions during marriage, like homemaking, education, or giving up work for a family member’s or partner’s education/career
Whether one spouse has custody of children, and how taking care of children affects that spouse’s ability to work.

How long do you have to be married to get alimony in California?

The answer is that there is no fixed minimum time that qualifies you for alimony.

If the marriage is less than 10 years (short-term), the court usually orders spousal support for about half the length of the marriage.
If marriage is 10 years or more (long-term), there is no set time frame for alimony. Support can be long or even until the receiving spouse becomes self-supporting or until other conditions like remarriage, death, or a change in circumstances.

How a lawyer can help you in your alimony process

A lawyer helps you collect all financial documents: incomes, expenses, and debts.
A lawyer understands how courts weigh the §4320 factors. They know which things to emphasize (health, job skills, marriage length).
A lawyer can negotiate with the other spouse for a fair amount, avoiding a long trial, which costs time and money.
If support orders need modification later (because of a change in income, health, or remarriage), the lawyer helps file motions correctly.
If a dispute arises and you think you are owed more or paying too much, a lawyer represents you in court or mediation.

If you have the right facts, documents, and a lawyer, you stand a good chance of getting fair support.

Get legal help for alimony

You don’t need to be married for many years to request alimony, but the duration of marriage influences how long support lasts.
Courts use many factors (income, health, contributions, standard of living) under Family Code §4320 to decide the amount and duration.
A good lawyer helps you organize documents, present your case, negotiate, or ask the court for modifications when your situation changes.