California calculates temporary and long-term spousal support differently.

Temporary spousal support is often estimated using guideline calculations that primarily consider each spouse's income. This calculator provides an estimate using that approach.

Long-term spousal support does not follow one statewide formula. Instead, judges consider the factors listed in California Family Code §4320 before deciding whether support should be awarded, how much should be paid, and how long it should last.

Yes. Many people still use the word alimony, but California law uses the term spousal support. They both mean financial support that one spouse may pay to the other during or after a divorce.

Learn more about what alimony is, how it works, and when it may be awarded in California.

Temporary spousal support helps provide financial support while a divorce is pending.

Long-term (sometimes called permanent) spousal support may be ordered when the divorce is finalized. Unlike temporary support, there is no statewide mathematical formula for long-term support. Judges consider the circumstances of each marriage before making a decision.

If you're requesting temporary support, our guide to common California divorce forms explains many of the forms you may encounter during the divorce process.

There is no single answer.

For marriages lasting less than 10 years, support is often ordered for a limited period, although every case is different.

For marriages of 10 years or longer, California law generally considers them marriages of long duration. That does not guarantee lifetime support, but it gives the court greater flexibility when deciding how long support should continue.

Our guide to determining how long alimony lasts in California explains the factors courts consider when deciding how long spousal support may continue.

Income may include:

• Salary and wages
• Overtime
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Investment income
• Retirement income in some situations
• Other sources of taxable or non-taxable income

Determining income can become more complicated when someone owns a business, is self-employed, receives stock compensation, or has income that changes from month to month. The California Courts Self-Help Guide on financial disclosures explains the financial information spouses are generally required to exchange during a divorce.

Yes. This calculator estimates temporary support using commonly used California guideline calculations. Judges may order a different amount based on the facts of your case. Long-term spousal support is decided after considering all relevant factors under California law.

Sometimes. A spousal support order may be modified when there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial change in income, employment, or financial need. Whether a modification is available depends on the terms of the existing order and California law.

California Courts Self-Help Guide on changing spousal support has more information.

This calculator follows commonly used California guideline calculations for estimating temporary spousal support and is reviewed regularly to reflect current California law.

However, no online calculator can predict exactly what a court will order. Think of this estimate as a helpful planning tool rather than a guaranteed result.