The court may order monthly payments by one spouse to support the other spouse, during the pendency of a divorce proceeding. Formerly referred to as alimony, spousal support may continue after the conclusion of the divorce, depending on factors outlined by the California Family Code. It is important to note that spousal support is awarded in addition to any child support.
Either spouse may be ordered to pay spousal support. For couples married less than ten years, the usual length of spousal support is one-half the length of the marriage. In marriages over ten years, permanent alimony can be awarded.
In awarding spousal support, the Court considers many factors, such as income and earning capacity, age and health of the parties, debts and assets of the parties, length of the marriage, needs of each party based on the standard of living created during the marriage, and education.
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Family LawChild SupportChild Custody
