California Alimony Calculator
Estimate temporary (pendente lite) California spousal support with the common 40% higher-net − 50% lower-net guideline used in many counties — optional child-support offset included. Long-term support still follows Family Code §4320 factors. Click any i for detail.
Temporary support inputs
Income figures are
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Income basis
Temporary guideline math is usually discussed in monthly net terms. Annual entries are converted automatically. |
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Payor net income ($)
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Payor net
Higher earner's net disposable income is usually the payor. Software like DissoMaster refines taxes and deductions beyond this sketch. |
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Recipient net income ($)
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Recipient net
Lower earner's net monthly (or annual) income. |
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Child support already modeled ($/mo)
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Child support
Optional. Many workflows compute guideline child support first; we subtract that amount from the payor's net before the 40%/50% sketch. |
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Marriage length (years)
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Marriage length
Shown for context. Temporary support uses the guideline; long-term support weighs marriage length among the §4320 factors. |
How to use this calculator
- Choose monthly or annual net incomes.
- Enter both spouses' net incomes (payor first).
- Optionally enter monthly child support already being modeled.
- Read the temporary support estimate — not a permanent/long-term award.
Results explained
Many California counties use a temporary guideline resembling 40% of the higher earner's net minus 50% of the lower earner's net (Santa Clara-style). Judges often run DissoMaster/XSpouse. Long-term spousal support after judgment is different: courts must consider the Family Code §4320 factors and generally should not rubber-stamp the temporary formula.
Quick reference: California temporary guideline style
County local rules and support software can adjust these numbers.
| Item | Detail |
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| Temporary amount | 40% × higher net − 50% × lower net |
| With child support | Often CS first, then SS on remaining net |
| Long-term support | Fam. Code §4320 factors (no single formula) |
| Marriage length rule of thumb | Often discussed vs half the marriage — not a statute for amount |
For house equity in a divorce, see the divorce buyout calculator.
How the estimate is built
Identify higher and lower net monthly incomes. Optionally reduce the payor's net by modeled child support. Temporary SS ≈ max(0, 0.40×higher_adj − 0.50×lower).
Example scenario
Payor nets $10,000/month, recipient nets $3,000, no child support → 0.40×10,000 − 0.50×3,000 = $4,000 − $1,500 = $2,500/month temporary estimate.
FAQ
Is this the same as permanent support?
No. Permanent/long-term support after judgment is factor-based under §4320. This page models the temporary guideline many counties use while the case is pending.
Do all counties use 40%/50%?
Santa Clara-style 40%/50% is widespread, but local practice and software settings vary. Alameda and others have used variants.
What if incomes are very high?
Judges may deviate when incomes are extraordinary. Treat huge six-figure monthly nets as outside a simple guideline sketch.
Domestic partners?
California support rules can apply to registered domestic partners — confirm with family counsel.