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California Alimony Calculator

Estimate temporary and long-term spousal support using California's DissoMaster formula and Family Code §4320 duration guidelines.

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Note: California uses DissoMaster software for precise calculations. The formula here (40% higher income − 50% lower income) reflects the standard algebraic approximation used in family law practice.
CA Temporary Spousal Support (Pendente Lite)
$3,000/mo
Annual Amount$36,000/yr
40% of Higher Monthly$5,000
50% of Lower Monthly$2,000
Marriage CategoryShort (<10 yrs)
Temporary support is in effect while the divorce is pending. California courts use the DissoMaster program, which applies this formula as a baseline. The order typically remains until a permanent order is issued.
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DissoMaster™ is the proprietary software used by CA courts. This is an approximation using the Santa Clara formula. Actual amounts depend on all FC §4320 factors.

Temporary Support (est.)
$1,269/mo
During divorce proceedings
Permanent Support (est.)
$952/mo
Post-judgment spousal support
Duration estimateIndefinite (court retains jurisdiction)
Payor net monthly$10,800
Payee net monthly$3,510
% of payor income8.8%
StatuteCA Fam. Code §4320
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Full FC §4320 factor analysis, Johnson/Lamusga scoring, step-down modeling, and 20-year lifetime projections.

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Temp Support (IFFS/DissoMaster)
$1,681/mo
Permanent Support (est.)
$1,261/mo
Indefinite (FC §4336)
FC §4320 Factor Analysis
FC §4320(a): Marital std of living
100
FC §4320(b): Payee earning capacity
72
FC §4320(d): Marriage contribution
75
FC §4320(e): Payor ability to pay
86
FC §4320(l): Hardship
30
FC §4320(m): Assets
43
Step-Down Schedule
Year 1–2 (current order)$1,261/mo
Year 3–5 (step-down 1)$946/mo
Year 6+ (step-down 2)$630/mo
TerminationTerminated

How California Alimony Is Calculated

California calls spousal support by two names depending on timing: pendente lite (temporary support during divorce proceedings) and permanent spousal support (the ongoing order after judgment). The two amounts are calculated very differently.

For temporary support, California courts rely on the DissoMaster software program, which applies an algebraic formula as a starting baseline. For permanent support, courts use the multi-factor test under Family Code §4320 — a needs-vs-ability analysis that is far less mechanical.

California Alimony Formula

Temporary Spousal Support (DissoMaster baseline): Monthly Support = (0.40 × Higher Earner Monthly Gross) − (0.50 × Lower Earner Monthly Gross) Duration Rule (short marriages under 10 years): Duration ≈ Marriage Length ÷ 2 Duration Rule (long marriages 10+ years): California retains jurisdiction indefinitely (Family Code §4336) No fixed end date; support reviewed as circumstances change

The temporary support formula is an algebraic shorthand for what the DissoMaster software computes. Actual software results vary slightly based on additional inputs such as tax filing status, property income, and child support amounts.

Example: 8-Year California Marriage

Temporary Support Calculation

Higher earner monthly gross$12,500
Lower earner monthly gross$4,000
40% of $12,500$5,000
50% of $4,000$2,000
Temporary support$3,000/mo
Estimated permanent support$2,000–$2,500/mo
Duration (8-yr marriage)~4 years

Permanent support for this 8-year marriage would likely be in the range of $2,000–$2,500/mo for approximately 4 years, reflecting a lower amount than temporary support as the court factors in the lower earner's potential to become self-supporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Temporary support (pendente lite) is a formulaic calculation designed to maintain the status quo during divorce proceedings. Permanent support — despite its name — is the post-judgment order and is based on a multi-factor needs analysis under Family Code §4320. Permanent support is often lower than temporary and has a defined duration (except in marriages of 10+ years).
For marriages under 10 years, the standard guideline is support lasting approximately half the marriage length. For marriages of 10 years or more, Family Code §4336 requires the court to retain jurisdiction indefinitely — there is no set end date, though support continues only as long as needed and the payor has the ability to pay.
DissoMaster is used primarily for temporary spousal support and child support. Permanent spousal support is determined by the §4320 factors — including each party's earning capacity, age, health, standard of living, contributions to education, and the marketable skills of the supported spouse. The formula is a guideline for temporary orders only.
Yes, California Family Code §721 allows spouses to waive spousal support in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, provided both parties had independent legal counsel (or knowingly waived it) and the agreement was not the product of fraud, duress, or undue influence. Courts may decline to enforce waivers that would render a party eligible for public assistance.
Yes. Under Family Code §4337, spousal support automatically terminates upon the remarriage of the supported spouse. Cohabitation does not automatically terminate support but is grounds to seek modification. The paying spouse can petition the court to reduce or end support if the recipient is living with a new partner in a "supportive relationship."

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