How long does spousal support last in California?

What the Law Says

California law distinguishes between short-term and long-term marriages to guide spousal support duration. Courts consider multiple factors—including standard of living, earning capacity, and marital length—but no automatic end date applies unless specified in an agreement or order.

Under Family Code § 4336, marriages of 'long duration' (generally 10 years or more) give the court jurisdiction to maintain spousal support orders indefinitely—unless the parties agree otherwise or the court terminates support for good cause.

For marriages under 10 years, Family Code § 4320(i) states that 'a court may consider the goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time,' and courts often use half the length of the marriage as a benchmark—but this is not mandatory.

The court must review all relevant circumstances under Family Code § 4320, including each spouse’s income, health, age, and contributions to the marriage, before setting duration.

Statutory Text

Except on written agreement of the parties to the contrary or a court order terminating spousal support, the court retains jurisdiction indefinitely in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of the parties where the marriage is of long duration.

— Cal. Fam. Code § 4336(a) — Long-duration marriages

Statutory Text

In a marriage of long duration, the court retains jurisdiction over the issue of spousal support indefinitely unless the parties have agreed otherwise.

— Cal. Fam. Code § 4336(b) — Jurisdiction retention

Statutory Text

The court shall consider, among other factors, the goal that the supported party shall be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time.

— Cal. Fam. Code § 4320(i) — Reasonable period for self-support

What to Do

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