Average Alimony Payment in California [2025 Updated]

Going through a divorce is not easy. The emotional strain and mental distress are bad enough, but you will also likely be facing quite a bit of financial strain as well, depending on whether you have to provide child support or alimony. If you are on the verge of a divorce, you may be wondering what the average alimony payment in California is. You may also want to reach out to an experienced divorce lawyer who can walk you through the alimony process.

Hire an Alimony Lawyer

Since 2004, Edgar & Dow Family Law has focused exclusively on family law, representing Californians in divorce, child custody, and spousal support cases. If you are dealing with alimony issues, a spousal support lawyer from our firm can help you understand how California alimony laws apply to your situation.

We work toward efficient, timely resolutions that reduce conflict and protect your long-term needs. Our team values honesty and will be able to provide realistic expectations for your case during your first consultation.

Our clients benefit from direct communication with their attorney and a streamlined approach designed to lower stress while delivering results. Let us take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on the well-being of you and your family during this difficult transition in life.

Alimony Payments in California

To begin with, there is no real average alimony payment in California. Every divorce case is different and brings with it different assets, liabilities, and alimony amounts decided on by courts of law. A good lawyer can possibly help minimize your alimony payments.

California has a general formula that decides how much alimony is to be paid from the higher-earning spouse to the lower-earning spouse in the divorce. This formula is not always used to determine alimony, but the judge presiding over the case does have the option to use it.

The formula subtracts half of the lesser-earning spouse’s net monthly income from 40% of the greater-earning spouse’s net monthly income. The number you have left is the amount of alimony that will be paid on a monthly basis to the lower-earning spouse.

What Determines Alimony in California?

Determining alimony payments in a divorce is not an easy process. Many different factors have to be considered when figuring out alimony. Chief among them, alimony cannot go to anyone convicted of domestic violence, sexual assault, or attempted murder against their spouse or their children. Here are some of the other factors that go into an alimony decision:

• The basic needs of each spouse are based on the standard of living that was available during the marriage. This includes housing, food, travel, and other daily expenses.
• The higher-earning spouse’s ability to pay alimony
• The lower-earning spouse’s ability to have a job while also supporting their children
• The marketable skills of each spouse and how well they can perform in a competitive job market. Judges look at the education, training, and job history of both parties. If one spouse left the workforce during the marriage or lacks up-to-date skills, they may struggle to earn a living wage.
• The age and health of each spouse
• Any outstanding debts belonging to either spouse, including debt or assets that exist outside the marriage
• The entire duration of the marriage
• Any documented history of domestic violence toward either the spouse or the children
• Whether the higher-earning spouse contributed financially toward the other spouse’s education. If one spouse supported the other through school or job training during the marriage, that contribution is factored into the alimony decision. Courts may view this as a shared investment that should be repaid through support if the lower-earning spouse cannot yet be financially independent.
• Any remaining factors that the judge believes should be considered to reach a fair conclusion. For example, they may factor in the tax consequences of alimony payments for both spouses, including how support will affect each party’s net income. A judge may also consider personal sacrifices made during the marriage, such as one spouse giving up a career to raise children. Additionally, unusual financial situations, such as sudden job loss, recent inheritance, or ongoing medical expenses, could influence the outcome.

Types of Alimony in California

Under California law, there are really only two kinds of spousal support or alimony. These are temporary and rehabilitative. Both are important for creating a stable home environment for the lower-earning spouse and any children who may be involved.

• Temporary Support: Temporary support is granted to the lower-earning spouse during the duration of the divorce process. It is often determined via the general formula outlined above and continues until the divorce is finalized. A judge can decide to end it prior to the finalization of the divorce for their own reasons.
• Rehabilitative Support: Rehabilitative support, or long-term support, is only supposed to last as long as it takes for the lower-earning spouse to do what they need to do to find steady employment and become self-sufficient. A judge can monitor the lower-earning spouse’s progress in seeking a job, enforce a gradual step-down of payments, and end support entirely if they deem it necessary. Be sure to hire an alimony lawyer to fully understand expectations during divorce.

Why Choose Us?

Edgar & Dow Family Law is proud to be recognized for our commitment to excellence in California family law. We have earned a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, received the Client Distinction Award from Lawyers.com, and have been featured as a “Top Lawyer” in Inland Empire Magazine. In 2016, the American Society of Legal Advocates named us among the “Top 100 Family Lawyers” in the nation.

With years of experience practicing under California law and appearing in family courts across the state, our attorneys understand how to navigate the system efficiently. We understand that in family legal matters, every case is unique and may require different strategies, and with our years of experience, we are able to customize our approach to every case that comes into our office.

Our compassionate legal team knows how emotionally difficult divorce and family law matters can be. Not only do they affect the couple, but also the other family members involved.

We approach our clients with empathy from their first initial consultation and make sure they have direct access to their attorney, timely updates, and a legal plan designed around their individual needs. At every step, our goal is to protect your rights while helping you move forward in life with confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs

Q: How Much Alimony Can a Wife Get in California?

A: The amount of alimony that a wife can get in California is determined entirely by the court, and every divorce case is different. The general formula upon which many alimony amounts are decided is this: Take 40% of the greater-earning spouse’s net monthly income and subtract half of the lesser-earning spouse’s net monthly income from it. That final number is the amount of alimony that the lower-earning spouse will likely receive. It is up to the judge to decide if more or less is deserved.

Q: How Much Do Most People Pay in Alimony?

A: On average, most people who have to pay alimony end up paying the lower-earning spouse around 40% of their net monthly income minus half of their spouse’s income, but that number is different depending on the state law, the judge presiding over the case, and certain factors that are considered when deciding on alimony. You could end up paying 40% of your income, or you might be paying far less. Every situation is different.

Q: What Disqualifies You From Spousal Support in California?

A: Several factors can disqualify you from receiving spousal support in California. These include:

• Both spouses have enough separate assets to keep themselves afloat without additional alimony payments.
• The higher-earning spouse has additional financial obligations that keep them from paying alimony.
• The division of property alone is enough to support both spouses.
• The lower-earning spouse has a conviction for domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Q: What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in California?

A: Since California is a no-fault, 50/50 state, in the event of a divorce, a wife is entitled to at least half of the assets acquired during the marriage as well as up to 40% of their spouse’s income for alimony or child support. They can also fight for primary child custody. However, this does not mean that the wife will receive all this in the divorce. Ultimately, a judge will decide whether the wife is entitled to alimony or child support payments.

Contact an Experienced Divorce Lawyer Today

With 16.3 marriages per 1,000 California residents as of 2023 and a 5.9 divorce rate, divorce is a real future possibility for many couples. Dealing with a divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You may feel somewhat humiliated, ashamed, regretful, frustrated, and even mournful of your marriage. If you were the primary breadwinner in the marriage, there is a decent chance you will have to pay your spouse alimony and possibly child support if the judge deems it necessary.

In the event of a divorce, it is crucial that you hire an experienced divorce lawyer who can ensure that you protect yourself. At Edgar & Dow, we can provide you with a sound legal defense that can work to help you reach a successful conclusion to your divorce. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.