Spousal Support in Orange County Divorce
Spousal support — commonly called alimony — is one of the most significant financial issues in many Orange County divorces. Whether you are seeking support from a higher-earning spouse or facing an obligation to pay, the outcome of your spousal support determination will affect your financial future for months or years to come.
Attorney Denise Furubotten has represented both paying and receiving spouses in spousal support matters throughout her 30-year Orange County family law practice. She understands the statutory factors under California Family Code §4320 and how Orange County courts apply them in practice.
How Orange County Courts Calculate Spousal Support
Unlike child support, California spousal support does not use a mandatory guideline formula for final orders. Instead, courts balance multiple statutory factors including:
- Each party's earning capacity and ability to maintain the marital standard of living
- The length of the marriage — shorter marriages generally result in shorter support terms
- Contributions each party made to the other's education or career advancement
- The age and health of each party
- The supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting within a reasonable period
- Any documented history of domestic violence
For marriages of ten years or longer, California courts retain jurisdiction over spousal support indefinitely unless the parties agree otherwise — making the initial determination especially important.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Author: Denise Furubotten, Esq.