How does alimony work in California?

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California   spousal support   is governed by   Family Code Division 9   and is one of the most discretionary alimony regimes in the country.    1. Two Types of Support   -   Temporary spousal support (pendente lite)   — paid while the divorce is pending under   Fam. Code § 3600  . Most counties use a   guideline formula   (commonly the Santa Clara guideline: roughly 40% of the higher earner's net income minus 50% of the lower earner's net, adjusted for child support). -   Long-term spousal support (post-judgment)   — set in the final judgment based on the 14 factors in   Fam. Code § 4320  .   No formula   is allowed for permanent support — the court must individually weigh each factor ( In re Marriage of Schulze , 60 Cal. App. 4th 519 (1997)).    2. Section 4320 Factors   The court must consider: marketable skills, time/expense to develop them, impairment of earning capacity from domestic duties, contributions to the other's education, ability to pay, needs based on the marital standard of living, obligations and assets, duration of marriage, ability to engage in employment without unduly interfering with dependent children, age and health, documented history of domestic violence, tax consequences, hardship, and the goal of self-support within a reasonable time.    3. Duration — The 10-Year Rule   -   Marriages under 10 years  : presumptive support duration is   half the length of the marriage   ( In re Marriage of Morrison , 20 Cal. 3d 437 (1978)). -   Marriages of 10+ years   ("long duration" under   Fam. Code § 4336  ): the court retains indefinite jurisdiction; support may continue until death, remarriage, or further court order.    4. Modification & Termination   - Modifiable on a   material change of circumstances   (Fam. Code § 3651). - Terminates automatically on the   death of either party or remarriage of the supported spouse   (Fam. Code § 4337). - Cohabitation creates a   rebuttable presumption of decreased need   (Fam. Code § 4323).    5. Domestic Violence Bar   A criminal conviction for domestic violence within 5 years of filing creates a   rebuttable presumption against awarding support to the abuser   (Fam. Code § 4325).  This is legal information, not legal advice.