How Long Does Spousal Support Last in California?
Last reviewed: March 2026
California uses advisory guidelines to determine spousal support duration. <10yr marriage: half the length; 10+yr (long-term): court discretion, often indefinite (Source: Cal. Fam. Code s.4320)
How California determines spousal support duration
California is a community property state. California refers to spousal support as “spousal support”. California has advisory guidelines for spousal support duration, though judges are not strictly bound by them.
Source: Cal. Fam. Code s.4320
Guideline: 40% of higher earner minus 50% of lower earner. Duration typically half the marriage length for marriages under 10 years.
Estimated spousal support duration by marriage length
The table below shows estimated maximum spousal support duration for different marriage lengths in California. These are based on advisory guidelines. Actual awards may differ.
| Marriage length | Est. max spousal support duration |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 2.5 years |
| 10 years | Indefinite (court discretion) |
| 15 years | Indefinite (court discretion) |
| 20 years | Indefinite (court discretion) |
| 25 years | Indefinite (court discretion) |
When does spousal support end in California?
Spousal Support in California typically ends when:
- The court-ordered term expires
- The recipient spouse remarries
- Either party dies
- A court modifies or terminates the order due to a significant change in circumstances
In some cases, cohabitation with a new partner may also be grounds for modification or termination of spousal support in California.
Is spousal support taxable in California?
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, spousal support is not deductible by the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). This applies in California and all other states.
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