Spousal support (alimony) is money one spouse pays the other during or after a divorce. How it’s set in California depends on the stage of the case. Here’s how it works.
Temporary vs. long-term support
Temporary support during the case is often set using a county guideline calculator. Long-term (post-judgment) support is decided by the judge weighing the factors in Family Code 4320 — length of marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, standard of living, and more.
Requesting support
You request or change support with a Request for Order (FL-300) and an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150), which documents both parties’ finances.
Modifying support
Support can be changed later if circumstances change significantly — a job loss, raise, or change in need — by filing a new Request for Order.
How Curbside Legal helps
We prepare your spousal-support request or modification, including the financial declarations, court-ready. See family law pricing or start your intake.
Curbside Legal is a legal document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Court fees are separate.