Alimony · California · Caps or time limits
Alimony in California
California judges set long-term spousal support from the Family Code section 4320 factors; the Judicial Branch says there is no math formula. For marriages under ten years, the starting assumption is that support lasts half the length of the marriage; for longer marriages there is no such assumption.[1]
Key facts: spousal support in California
| How the law sets it | Caps or time limits[1] |
|---|---|
| Key rule | Under 10 years: half the marriage’s length (starting assumption)[1] |
| Law last checked | October 26, 2026 |
The key limit
Under 10 years: half the marriage’s length (starting assumption)[1]
California law sets limits but no formula for the amount, so there's nothing to calculate: the court decides within them.
From the official text
What California law says about spousal support
Plain-English summaries of California’s statute and court rules as of the date shown on each, with the quoted text. Not legal advice: laws change and courts apply them case by case.
The statute
Long-term spousal support
The main spousal support statute.[1]
Long-term spousal support · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“The judge must use a set of factors (the Family Code 4320 factors) to decide the length and amount of support.”
How long it lasts
Under 10 years: half the marriage’s length (starting assumption)
For marriages of less than ten years, the court’s starting assumption is that support lasts half the length of the marriage; for longer marriages there is no assumption and support may last as long as needed and payable.[1]
Long-term spousal support · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“For marriages less than ten years, support will last half the length of the marriage”
Formula
No formula for long-term support
The Judicial Branch says there is no math formula for long-term support; the judge looks at how long the supported spouse needs to become self-supporting and how much they need until then.[1]
Long-term spousal support · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“There's no math formula or easy way to figure this out.”
When it ends
Ends on remarriage or death (or by agreement/order)
Support can end by written agreement approved by the court, by court order, or when the supported spouse remarries or either spouse dies.[1]
Long-term spousal support · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“The supported spouse remarries”
Official help: Spousal support – California Courts Self-Help Guide
Divorce in California: waiting period, residency and property rules →
Questions about alimony in California
Is there an alimony calculator for California?
No. California law doesn't set alimony by formula: california judges set long-term spousal support from the Family Code section 4320 factors; the Judicial Branch says there is no math formula. For marriages under ten years, the starting assumption is that support lasts half the length of the marriage; for longer marriages there is no such assumption. — Long-term spousal support[1]
How long does alimony last in California?
For marriages of less than ten years, the court’s starting assumption is that support lasts half the length of the marriage; for longer marriages there is no assumption and support may last as long as needed and payable. — Long-term spousal support[1]
When does alimony end in California?
Support can end by written agreement approved by the court, by court order, or when the supported spouse remarries or either spouse dies. — Long-term spousal support[1]
States with an alimony formula
Not legal advice. MediationList is a directory of court-listed mediators, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Summaries follow the official text as of the date checked; courts apply it case by case.
Sources
California’s statute and court rules, read on the official site, with the date we checked each.