Since the goal is to protect mutual standards of living, if your ex remarries or finds themselves once again in a steady double-income household, you may no longer be required to maintain or begin alimony payments.
The courts in many California counties use a formula as a guideline for calculating the amount of temporary spousal support. These guidelines vary, but one common formula for the monthly amount of support is 40% of the high earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the low earner's net monthly income.
California Family Code Section 4336 says that when a couple gets divorced or legally separated after a marriage "of long duration," the court "retains jurisdiction" over the issue of spousal support indefinitely—unless the couple has agreed otherwise or the court order includes a definite termination date.
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.
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.
The key factors analyzed in an alimony decision are each spouse's income, ability to earn and standards of living established during the marriage. If there is a history of violence, abuse or certain criminal convictions, however, this could bar a spouse from receiving alimony payments under California law.
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.
What do I do if I want alimony? You can ask for alimony as part of a divorce proceeding. If you and your spouse reach an agreement about alimony, you can ask the judge to make the agreement a part of the court order. If you cannot reach an agreement, the judge will decide whether you are entitled to alimony.
Alameda and Contra Costa counties have adopted the “Alameda Guideline” formula. The guideline states that the paying spouse's support be presumptively 40% of his or her net monthly income, reduced by one-half of the receiving spouse's net monthly income.
How to ask for spousal support Fill out the Request for Order form. Request for Order (form FL-300) ... Fill out the Income and Expense Declaration. Income and Expense Declaration (form FL-150). Attach documents to support your case. Make copies of your forms. File your forms.