There is no legislated formula for long-term spousal support. Unlike with temporary support, there is also not a rule-of-thumb formula. Instead, a judge will weigh the totality of the circumstances in issuing their order. Those circumstances are broadly outlined in CA Family Code § 4320.
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.
While a divorce action is pending, one common method is what is referred to as the County of Santa Clara formula, which generally states that temporary spousal support is computed by taking 40% of the net income of the payor, minus 50% of the net income of the payee.
Here's the formula: CS = K (HN – (H%)(TN)). CS is the child support amount for one child (different multipliers are applied to that amount to come up with the total for more than one child).
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.
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.
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.