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California Alimony Calculator

Estimate California temporary spousal support and how long long-term support may last.

Updated November 4, 2026. Free, no sign-up; everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored.

California alimony calculator (temporary guideline)

Higher earner's net monthly income ($)Lower earner's net monthly income ($)Length of marriage (years)

Estimated temporary spousal support

–

–Payer keeps

–Recipient has

–Long-term support duration (guide)

How California spousal support is figured

California has two kinds of spousal support (California Courts self-help):

Temporary support while the divorce is pending. Many judges use a guideline formula, often 40% of the higher earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner's, though counties and judges can differ, and child support is calculated first if there are children.
Long-term (permanent) support in the judgment. There's no formula: the judge weighs the factors in Family Code 4320, including the marital standard of living, each person's earning capacity, age and health, contributions to the other's career, and the length of the marriage.

How long it lasts

For a marriage of under 10 years, support generally lasts about half the length of the marriage. For 10 years or more, a "marriage of long duration", there's no presumed end date and the court can keep jurisdiction. Support usually ends if the recipient remarries or either party dies, and the recipient is expected to work toward self-support.

Worked example

With net incomes of $9,000 and $3,000 a month, the temporary guideline gives 40% × $9,000 − 50% × $3,000 = $2,100 a month. After an 8-year marriage, long-term support would typically be expected to last around 4 years. For divorces after 2018, alimony isn't deductible for the payer or taxable to the recipient on federal returns. Compare Illinois and Florida; this is an estimate, not legal advice.

Common questions

How is alimony calculated in California?

Temporary support often uses 40% of the higher earner's net income minus 50% of the lower earner's; long-term support follows Family Code 4320 factors.

How long does alimony last in California?

For marriages under 10 years, generally about half the length of the marriage.

Is alimony taxable in California?

Not on federal returns for divorces finalized after 2018.

Sources

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General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.