Demetria Graves | November 5, 2025 | Divorce
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is financial assistance awarded to one spouse from the other. The court may award temporary alimony during a divorce. A final alimony order may modify or terminate the alimony while the divorce case is pending.
In Pasadena, California, as in the rest of the state, the duration and amount of alimony payments are determined by several factors. Those factors include the length of the marriage and the financial needs of both spouses.
This article explores how long alimony payments typically last in California and provides insights into the legal framework governing spousal support.
Determining the Duration of Alimony Payments in California
The duration of a marriage is a significant factor in determining the length of alimony payments in California. Marriages are viewed as “short-term marriages” and “long-term marriages” based on the number of years the parties were married.
Short-Term Marriages and Alimony in California
In California, marriages lasting less than ten years are considered short-term. For these marriages, alimony payments generally do not exceed half the duration of the marriage. For example, suppose a couple has been married for 5 years.
The presumption for the duration of alimony payments is up to 2.5 years. However, this presumption is not a rigid rule. The court can adjust the duration of the alimony award based on specific circumstances, such as the financial needs of both spouses, their age, health, and earning capacity.
Long-Term Marriages and Alimony in California
Marriages lasting ten years or more are considered long-term. In these cases, judges may grant permanent alimony, which continues until the receiving spouse remarries, one spouse passes away, or there is a significant change in circumstances.
California courts retain jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely in long-term marriages, allowing them to modify or terminate the order upon a showing of a material change in circumstances.
Factors Influencing Alimony Determination in Pasadena, CA
According to California Family Code §4320, several factors influence the determination of alimony, including:
- Former standard of living: The lifestyle maintained during the marriage is considered. However, maintaining the standard of living for a spouse is only one factor the court considers.
- The needs of each spouse: The financial needs of both spouses are evaluated, including their ability to pay spousal support and the need for financial support. It includes each spouse’s assets and obligations, including separate property.
- Age and health: The physical and mental health and age of each spouse are essential factors. Some health factors could prevent a spouse from being gainfully employed.
- Supporting spouse’s ability to pay: The paying spouse’s financial capacity is assessed. There may be a need for support, but also the ability to pay for support. The court will not bankrupt a spouse or place them in poverty.
- Earning ability: Earning ability includes job skills, market conditions, and any reductions in earning capacity. The court considers the time and expense it might take a spouse to obtain training or education to develop skills. It also considers the extent to which a spouse’s unemployment to provide domestic duties during the marriage impacts earning potential.
- Effect of employment on children: The court considers whether a spouse’s work negatively impacts their children. Some situations may require a parent to be at home, such as caring for a child with special needs.
- Contributions to a spouse’s career and/or education: Contributions by the lower-earning spouse to their spouse’s career or education are evaluated. The court considers whether a spouse placed their career on hold or otherwise supported the other spouse so that the other spouse could improve their education, skills, and training for employment.
- History of domestic violence: Any history of domestic violence or sexual assault is factored into the decision. This factor includes consideration of the emotional distress resulting from the domestic violence, including the issuance of a protective order.
No single factor is decisive—the court aims to reach a fair and reasonable support order based on the full picture.
Motions To Terminate or Modify Alimony in Pasadena, CA
A spouse may petition the court to terminate or modify spousal support for several reasons. Generally, support terminates upon a spouse’s death or the remarriage of the payee spouse. If a spouse becomes self-sufficient (i.e., able to support themselves), the court may terminate alimony payments.
A substantial change in circumstances could also result in termination or modification of alimony. For instance, a payee spouse cohabitating with a new partner or a payor spouse losing their job or becoming disabled.
Remember, stopping alimony payments without a court order can result in numerous penalties. Instead, seek legal counsel immediately if you need to change alimony payments.
Seeking Legal Advice for an Alimony Case in Pasadena, CA
Understanding the duration of alimony payments in California is crucial for those navigating divorce proceedings. The length of the marriage significantly affects the duration of support, but the court’s discretion and the specific circumstances of each case also play substantial roles.
For personalized guidance on your specific situation, the Pasadena spousal support lawyers at The Graves Law Firm can provide valuable insights and support throughout the process. Call our office today for a confidential consultation.
The Graves Law Firm Pasadena
1055 E Colorado Blvd #500a, Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 365-1037
Open 24 hrs.