Posted in Divorce
When a marriage ends, the financial transition can be one of the hardest parts of the process. California law recognizes that one spouse may need financial help while a divorce is pending — and, in some cases, even after it’s finalized. That’s where spousal support (often called alimony) comes in.
However, not all spousal support is the same. In California, there are two primary types: temporary and permanent (or long-term) support. Each serves a different purpose, is calculated differently, and lasts for a different period of time. Understanding how they work can help you plan for what to expect during and after your divorce.
What Is Temporary Spousal Support?
Temporary spousal support — sometimes called pendente lite support — is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other while the divorce or legal separation is still in progress.
Its purpose is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and cover living expenses during the divorce proceedings. This can include costs such as rent, food, utilities, transportation, and other daily needs.
Courts typically calculate temporary support using a standardized formula, often based on each spouse’s income and certain deductions. While the exact formula may vary by county, it’s designed to create quick, predictable results so that families can manage financially during the transition.
Because the goal is short-term support, judges generally focus on current income and immediate financial needs — not long-term earning potential.
Key features of temporary support:
- Ordered early in the divorce process
- Based largely on current income
- Intended to maintain the status quo
- Ends when the divorce becomes final (or is replaced by a permanent order)
What Is Permanent (Long-Term) Spousal Support?
Once the divorce is finalized, the court may issue a new order for permanent or long-term spousal support. Despite the name, “permanent” doesn’t necessarily mean “forever” — it simply refers to support that continues after the divorce judgment is entered.
The purpose of permanent support is to help the supported spouse maintain a standard of living reasonably close to what the couple enjoyed during the marriage, especially when one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the family.
Unlike temporary support, permanent support is not based on a formula. Instead, the court carefully considers multiple factors outlined in California Family Code §4320, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s earning capacity and ability to work
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Contributions one spouse made to the other’s education, career, or earning potential
- The age and health of both parties
- Any history of domestic violence
- The tax implications for each party
The judge uses these factors to determine both the amount and duration of spousal support.
Duration Of Spousal Support
How long permanent spousal support lasts depends heavily on the length of the marriage.
- Short-term marriages (under 10 years): Support generally lasts about half the length of the marriage.
- Long-term marriages (10 years or more): The court may not set an automatic end date. Instead, support continues until further order — often until the supported spouse becomes self-sufficient or circumstances change.
That said, courts expect supported spouses to make reasonable efforts to become self-supporting. Judges may include a “Gavron warning” (named after a California case) reminding the recipient that they’re expected to seek employment or training over time.
Modifying Or Ending Spousal Support
Both temporary and permanent spousal support can be modified or terminated if there’s a significant change in circumstances — such as:
- A change in income or employment
- Retirement
- The supported spouse’s remarriage or cohabitation
- Serious health issues or other financial shifts
It’s important to note that spousal support doesn’t automatically end unless specified. The paying spouse must petition the court for a modification or termination order.
How Courts Strive For Fairness
Spousal support is not meant to punish one spouse or reward the other. Instead, it’s intended to promote fairness and financial balance after a marriage ends.
Temporary support ensures that both parties can meet their immediate needs during a difficult time. Permanent support, on the other hand, recognizes the economic partnership of marriage — especially in cases where one spouse gave up opportunities to support the household or raise children.
Each case is unique, and courts aim to reach outcomes that reflect the specific financial and personal realities of both spouses.
How An Attorney Can Help
Calculating and negotiating spousal support can be one of the most complex parts of a California divorce. The numbers on paper rarely tell the whole story — especially when factors like career potential, childcare, and lifestyle come into play.
An experienced Manhattan Beach, CA high net worth divorce lawyer can:
- Accurately assess income and financial disclosures
- Apply the correct county guideline formulas for temporary support
- Present persuasive evidence under Family Code §4320 for permanent support
- Advocate for fair modifications or terminations as circumstances evolve
At Skarin Law Group, our attorneys combine legal precision with compassionate guidance. We work to ensure that spousal support orders reflect fairness, protect your financial well-being, and set you up for stability after divorce.
Taking The Next Steps
Whether you’re requesting support or being asked to pay it, understanding the difference between temporary and permanent spousal support is key to navigating your divorce with confidence.
At Skarin Law Group, we help clients throughout California approach spousal support issues with clarity, strategy, and compassion — so you can focus on rebuilding your future with confidence and peace of mind.
