Spousal support, often referred to as “alimony” in other jurisdictions, is determined by California courts based on several factors designed to ensure fairness and equity following divorce. These factors include the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, the marital standard of living, the age and health of each party, and the contributions each spouse made to the marriage. For instance, a spouse who sacrificed a career to raise children may be awarded support to allow them to become self-supporting. California law recognizes both temporary support during the divorce proceedings and permanent support, though the latter is becoming less common in shorter marriages.
The purpose of spousal support is to bridge the financial gap created by the dissolution of a marriage and to ensure a measure of financial stability for both parties during the transition. Historically, it was more commonly awarded to wives, reflecting societal norms. However, modern California law is gender-neutral, recognizing that either spouse may require support depending on the circumstances of the marriage and divorce. Providing support can be crucial in allowing a lower-earning spouse to maintain a reasonable standard of living, pursue education or job training, and achieve financial independence after a divorce. It helps to address potential economic disparities created during the marriage.
