There are many considered factors, but the primary factors used to determine spousal support is income and earning capacity. The Court looks at the present income as well as separate property available to the supported party.
Specifically in California, disqualification might result from several key factors. One such factor is a significant change in the financial status of the recipient spouse, such as acquiring a new job or receiving an inheritance, which could render them financially independent and no longer in need of support.
40% of the high earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the low earner's net monthly income. For instance, if Spouse A earns $5,000 per month and Spouse B earns $2,500 per month, temporary spousal support might be calculated as follows: 40% of $5,000 = $2,000. 50% of $2,500 = $1,250.
California doesn't use a "calculator" for determining the amount of long-term spousal support. Instead, judges must decide how much to award after they've considered all of the following circumstances: each spouse's needs, based on the standard of living they had during the marriage.
The person asking for alimony must show the court that he or she needs financial support, and that the other spouse has the ability to provide financial support.
Factors Considered In A California Alimony Judgement Standard of Living: Each spouse's needs are evaluated based on the standard of living they maintained during the marriage. Earning Capacity: The judge assesses the ability of each spouse to earn enough to sustain that standard of living.
For marriages less than ten years, support will last half the length of the marriage. For marriages more than 10 years, there's no assumption about what's reasonable.
California determines alimony based on the recipient's “marital standard of living,” which aims to allow the spouse to continue living in a similar manner as during the marriage.