How Long Does Spousal Support Last?

Spousal support is one of the most important things to get right when going through the process of separating from your partner. In California, the divorce courts use state law and some basic guiding principles to make a decision on the amount of support conceded. 

These same factors are considered by the court when making a decision about the duration of the spousal support. Wondering how long spousal support could last in your case? Let a family lawyer from The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock review your case. 

Factors for Duration of Spousal Support in California

California courts follow legal guidelines when making a decision about whether or not to award spousal support. There are many different factors, but some of the most important include:

• The ability of each spouse to maintain the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
• The job-related skills of the support spouse, and their ability to support themselves
• The length of the marriage
• The ability of the supporting spouse to pay the spousal support
• Each party’s assets and liabilities at the end of the marriage

Once spousal support is established, the length of time that it will stay active also needs to be determined. 

It is generally true that spousal support increases in relation to the length of the marriage. In marriages lasting less than ten years, spousal support is normally expected to last for half of the length of the marriage. 

In marriages lasting longer than ten years, the court is unlikely to set a limit on the duration of the support—although it’s unlikely that it will last for life. 

One common scenario that ends spousal support is when the supported person remarries. 

However, in long-term spousal support situations, it may fall on the supporting spouse to demonstrate that the support is no longer necessary. 

The above situations show why it’s important to consult an attorney who can help ensure that your rights and interests are protected in a spousal support scenario. 

Contact a Spousal Support Lawyer Right Away

Spousal support is one of the most important decisions impacting life after a divorce. At The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock, we can help you make sure you get it right. 

Give us a call at 909-466-7661 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with an experienced spousal support specialist.