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.
California judges apply a “ten-year rule” when deciding alimony matters during a divorce. Marriages that last less than ten years are considered short-term marriages. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, alimony payments for short-term marriages do not exceed one-half of the duration of the marriage.
You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
California judges apply a “ten-year rule” when deciding alimony matters during a divorce. Marriages that last less than ten years are considered short-term marriages. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, alimony payments for short-term marriages do not exceed one-half of the duration of the marriage.
Misconduct: Certain behaviors can also lead to the disqualification of alimony. For instance, if a spouse is found to have engaged in financial misconduct, such as hiding assets or failing to disclose financial information during the divorce proceedings, this can result in disqualification.
Does the 10 Year Rule Impact Alimony Payments? Indeed, the 10 Year Rule has a significant impact on alimony payments. Once a marriage hits the 10-year mark, California law allows the lesser-earning spouse to receive alimony potentially indefinitely, depending on the circumstances.
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.
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.
The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.