California Spousal Support Calculator
Estimate temporary spousal support under the Santa Clara County advisory guideline (Cal. Fam. Code §4320). Enter net monthly incomes and years married. Free, instant, no data stored.
Estimated Spousal Support
Santa Clara County advisory guideline: 40% of the payor's net monthly income minus 50% of the payee's net monthly income, floored at $0. Net income means gross minus taxes and mandatory deductions. Courts deviate frequently; Cal. Fam. Code §4320 factors control the actual award.
Source: Cal. Fam. Code §4320.
How California calculates spousal support
California does not have a single statewide statutory formula for post-divorce alimony. Instead, many courts — including the Santa Clara County superior court — use an advisory guideline of roughly 40% of the paying spouse's net monthly income minus 50% of the receiving spouse's net monthly income, floored at $0. The factors in Cal. Fam. Code §4320 (each spouse's earning capacity, needs, obligations, age, health, duration of marriage, and history of domestic violence, among others) control the final award, and courts deviate from the guideline frequently.
Net income in California generally means gross income minus federal and state income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Temporary support (pendente lite) is often computed with this guideline; long-term support after judgment is more discretionary and considers the factors above.
Duration of support
- Marriages under 10 years: support is often ordered for about half the length of the marriage, though courts may order longer or shorter periods.
- Marriages of 10 years or more: there is no statutory end date; the court may order support for an indefinite duration until changed by the court or terminated by remarriage, cohabitation, or death.
Frequently asked questions
Does California have a statutory alimony formula? Not statewide for post-judgment support. Cal. Fam. Code §4320 lists the factors courts must consider, but the Santa Clara guideline (and similar local guidelines) is advisory, not mandatory.
What counts as net income? Gross income from all sources less taxes and mandatory deductions. Bonuses, commissions, and self-employment income may be averaged or imputed by the court.
Can support be modified later? Yes — either party can request a modification if there is a material change in circumstances, unless the parties agreed the award is non-modifiable.