How Long Does Spousal Support Last in CA?
The two most common issues in spousal support is how long support will be paid and how much will be paid. To make this determination, the court will consider the length of the marriage and several other factors. Usually, a good rule of thumb is spousal support will last for one-half the length of the marriage. However, in California, the duration of the marriage is left to the sound discretion of the court.
The amount and duration of spousal support are highly dependent on the unique facts of the case. For individuals facing spousal support issues, working with a skilled San Bernardino spousal support lawyer is critical to ensuring a fair and just outcome.
What is The “10-Year Rule”?
The court will consider some general equitable principles and guidelines set forth in case histories. For marriages of less than 10 years in California, the statute provides a presumption that it should be granted for half the length of the marriage.
In California, including local courts in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Hemet, the law provides that if permanent spousal support is established at the time of trial, the court is not to set a future termination date if the marriage is of “lengthy duration.” Any marriage of 10 years is considered lengthy. Recently, courts have ruled that spousal support is only provided during the transition period from married to single life. While circumstances vary from person-to-person, the courts do not favor “lifetime support.”
What Factors Determine Alimony Payments?
Each court has a broad discretion when determining the amount of spousal support. Courts have adopted a guideline that suggests the appropriate range of spousal support on a temporary basis. Many counties do not allow the guideline to be the sole indicator of the amount of permanent spousal support.
California state law provides that the court should consider the following factors when determining the amount of spousal support to award:
- The earning capacity of each spouse
- The effort the supported party put in to attain the career and education of the supporting party
- How capable the supporting party is to pay
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The separate property of each spouse
- How long the marriage lasted
- The capability of the supported party to find a job without affecting the children’s care
- How old each individual is and their state of health
- Whether or not there is any history of violence
- How severe the tax consequences are for each party
- The hardships that each individual is facing
- The ability of the supported party to become self-supporting within a reasonable period of time
How Is Spousal Support Calculated in CA?
In most cases, support will be requested as soon as the petition is filed. This is called a “temporary spousal support order.” Many counties have formulas for calculating the amount of such support. In San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, the court’s use a computer program to determine this amount. The judge will not use a formula to determine how much to order at the end of the case.
When the judge makes the final order, many factors will be evaluated and are set forth in California Family Code § 4320:
- Length of the marriage*
- Each person’s needs
- Ability to pay (earning and capacity)
- Employment interfering with care of the children
- The age and health of both parties
- Debts and property
- Spouse helped the other obtain an education, training, career, or professional license
- Domestic violence
- Spousal sacrifice by taking care of the children or home instead of career
- Tax consequences of spousal support**
- Spousal support usually ends as a result of:
- Court order or judgment
- Death of spouse
- Remarriage
**Usually, spousal support is tax deductible for the supporting spouse and taxable income for the supported spouse.
What are Common Factors for Modification of Spousal Support?
The court will consider various factors when evaluating modification requests, such as the ability of the supported spouse to engage in gainful employment without interfering with the interests of dependent children in their custody or the age and health of each spouse. The court may also consider other factors that it deems “just and equitable,” which may include remarriage, cohabitation, and retirement.
- Remarriage or Cohabitation: Usually, a support order terminates upon the supported party’s remarriage. Cohabitation may also be considered when seeking a modification of support. However, more than a simple roommate or boarding house arrangement must exist. There must be evidence of a sexual relationship, a romantic involvement, or at least a “homemaker-companion” relationship. If your former spouse is cohabiting with a new partner, our firm will request that the court order a termination of support, or at least a reduction.
- Retirement: If the supporting party retires by at least 65, there may be a sufficient basis to warrant a termination of support. However, in cases where the supporting spouse elects to take an early retirement the court may properly deny a spousal support modification request.
- Ex-Spouse Becomes Self-Supporting: In California, even in long-term marriages, the supported spouse has an obligation to become self-supporting within a reasonable time. For marriages under 10 years, spousal support typically lasts about half the length of the marriage. Courts issue a "Gavron warning," reminding the supported spouse to become self-sufficient, and failure to do so can lead to reduced or terminated support. If a support order lacks this warning, we request the court issue one and review efforts made by the supported spouse to achieve independence. If these efforts are lacking or if the supported spouse's income increases, we may seek a reduction or termination of support, using depositions if necessary to gather detailed information about their efforts, income, and assets.
- Modifying Spousal Support Based on “Ability to Pay”: Post-separation income increases for the supporting spouse may NOT be considered by the court as a basis for modifying support. Therefore, a raise in income is not to be considered if a modification request is made. The court will look to the standard of living established during the marriage. In addition, any income of the supporting spouse’s subsequent spouse or non-marital partner is not to be considered.
- Modifying Spousal Support Based on Standard of Living: If there is not an initial spousal support order and there is a very high income, a “standard of living analysis” can be performed by a forensic accountant and be helpful in determining the correct amount of spousal support. This analysis is very persuasive and calculates the standard of living based on the marital standard of living on a monthly basis. It allocates the amounts previously spent during the marriage and determines what amount it would take to sustain that standard of living.
If there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the order, we can request to terminate or reduce your existing support obligation. However, each case is distinct and depends upon the many unique facts and circumstances. We can meet with you to review your case and provide you with more detailed information about how best to proceed when a modification of spousal support is sought.
Common Mistakes in Regard to Spousal Support
When navigating the complexities of spousal support in California, individuals often encounter pitfalls that can have long-term financial implications. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Underestimating the Importance of Legal Representation: Not seeking expert legal advice can lead to unfavorable support orders.
- Misunderstanding the Duration of Spousal Support: Many assume that spousal support is indefinite, overlooking the specifics of the "10-Year Rule" and other factors affecting duration.
- Not Considering the Full Financial Picture: Failing to accurately account for all income sources and financial obligations can result in skewed spousal support calculations.
- Overlooking Tax Implications: Ignoring or misunderstanding the tax consequences of spousal support can have unexpected financial repercussions.
- Failure to Plan for the End of Support: Not preparing for the termination of support, whether through gaining self-sufficiency or understanding conditions that end support, can lead to financial distress.
- Ignoring the Potential for Modification: Many do not realize that spousal support can be modified based on changes in circumstances, missing opportunities to adjust orders as life changes.
