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Last Modified on Sep 04, 2025
The question that is often the first one on the mind of someone entering a divorce is, “How long does alimony last in Riverside, CA?” In California, including here in Riverside County, the length of time that spousal support, or alimony, can be paid for depends on several factors. These include the length of your marriage, as well as your age, health, and capacity to become self-supporting.
Standard Riverside Alimony Laws
Alimony, known in California as spousal support, is a legal obligation to provide financial support to one’s spouse before or after marital separation or divorce. The intention of alimony is to provide for the needs of the lower-earning spouse, maintaining the standard of living they became accustomed to during the marriage, while the recipient works towards financial independence.
Alimony may be awarded in varying amounts and for different lengths of time based on factors. The length of the marriage is a major factor in determining alimony calculations. For marriages shorter than ten years, alimony is often awarded for half the length of the marriage. So, if you were married for six years, you may receive alimony for three. For marriages lasting longer than ten years, support might last indefinitely or until the court orders it to stop.
The national divorce rate in the United States was 2.4 per 1,000 population. 672,502 divorces were reported, many of these including alimony orders.
Factors That Influence Alimony Duration
In Riverside, alimony may last for varying lengths of time, typically determined by either a set period or until the occurrence of a specific event such as the remarriage of the recipient. The duration of alimony payments in Riverside is influenced by factors considered by the court in line with spousal support laws, such as the California Family Code § 4320. The following are these critical factors and how they can affect alimony duration:
- The length of the marriage. Longer marriages typically result in longer alimony durations.
- Each partner’s earning capacity. If one spouse’s earning capacity is significantly lower, the court may award longer-term alimony.
- Both parties’ needs. Alimony duration may be extended if the receiving spouse has greater financial needs.
- The standard of living during the marriage. The goal of the court is to maintain as close as possible the standard of living that was held during the marriage. This can impact how long alimony is paid.
- The age and health of both parties. Typically, if the receiving spouse is older or has failing health that can impact their ability to work, this will likely extend alimony payments.
- The financial burden of the paying spouse. The court does not desire to place an undue burden on the paying spouse.
- Contributions to the marriage. If the receiving spouse made contributions to their spouse’s education or career, especially long-term, this could increase the duration of alimony.
Courts may also take special circumstances into consideration, such as whether there was a presence of domestic violence. This could affect the fairness of a spouse in giving or receiving alimony.
Modifying or Ending Alimony
Riverside alimony orders are modifiable. A change of circumstances for either party, like the loss of a job, an increased salary, or serious health issues, can allow for a request for a change. Termination of the support is also considered by the court if the supported party remarries or enters a registered domestic partnership.
If the paying spouse retires, then this may also allow for a change of support. Anytime a modification is made, it must be done through the Riverside County Superior Court to ensure that the terms are fair to both parties. Your alimony attorney can help you with this process.
Why Hire an Alimony Lawyer with Edgar & Dow
We can help you navigate Riverside alimony laws and protect your rights. If you need to establish, modify, or terminate spousal support, we will fight to achieve an equitable result. We are familiar with Riverside court processes and can prepare all of the required financial documentation.
By choosing Edgar & Dow, you can avoid expensive litigation and minimize stress by having a professional advocate on your side.
FAQs
How Long Does a Spouse Pay Alimony in California?
The amount a spouse pays for alimony in California depends on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of both spouses, and the contributions both spouses made to the marriage. The length of the marriage is one of the main factors. Long-term marriages typically have longer alimony durations than short-term marriages.
Is Alimony for Life in California?
Alimony in California is very rarely actually “for life.” Support in long-term marriages (more than 10 years) can potentially be indefinite, but it is still subject to modification by the court. Spousal support typically terminates upon remarriage, death, or by court order if there is a substantial change in circumstances. The intention is generally to promote eventual self-sufficiency.
What Stops Alimony in California?
Alimony usually ends upon the death of either party, or if the supported spouse remarries or enters into a registered domestic partnership. The court may also end or modify spousal support if either spouse begins to cohabit with another person, if either party’s income significantly changes, or if either party retires. The party who is making the alimony payments can ask the court to end or change the alimony order if either of these situations occurs.
Is There a 10 Year Rule for Alimony in California?
Yes, California does have a general rule that when the marriage is less than 10 years, it’s considered a short-term marriage. Spousal support in short-term marriages is more likely to be temporary support, and the duration is often approximately half the length of the marriage. Marriages of 10 years or more are usually considered long-term, with support more likely to be for longer durations.
Contact Edgar & Dow Today
If you want to establish, terminate, or modify alimony payments, hire an alimony lawyer today. Edgar & Dow can help you do so. Contact us today for more information.
