How Long Does Spousal Support Last in California?

The length of spousal support in California depends on:

• Whether the order is temporary (while the case is ongoing), or

• Permanent (long-term), usually granted at the end of a divorce.

For temporary support in a DVRO case, the order usually lasts as long as the restraining order itself (often up to 5 years). Long-term support duration depends on the length of the marriage and other factors in Family Code § 4320.

Important for survivors: if the person ordered to pay support is the survivor of domestic violence, the court may shorten or eliminate support owed to the abuser. In fact, the law presumes that an abusive spouse should not receive support unless they can overcome the presumption with clear evidence (Family Code § 4325).