Spousal support modification in California is available when there has been a material change of circumstances since the last support order. Grounds include income changes, job loss, disability, the supported spouse becoming self-supporting, retirement of the paying spouse, and cohabitation and spousal support reduction requests when the supported spouse moves in with a new partner.
Cohabitation and Spousal Support
Cohabitation and spousal support interact directly under Family Code section 4323: when the supported spouse cohabitates with a new partner in a relationship akin to a marriage, there is a rebuttable presumption that their need for support has decreased. The paying spouse can file for spousal support modification based on cohabitation without needing to prove the supported spouse's expenses have actually decreased — the presumption shifts the burden. Reducing alimony california on cohabitation grounds requires showing the supported spouse is living with a romantic partner, not merely a roommate.
How Long Does Alimony Last / Remarriage and Retirement
How long does alimony last in California: for marriages under 10 years, generally half the marriage length. For marriages 10+ years, courts retain indefinite jurisdiction under FC §4336. How long do you have to pay alimony has no automatic answer for long marriages — a Gavron warning puts the supported spouse on notice to become self-supporting. What happens to alimony when you remarry: remarriage of the supported spouse terminates support automatically under FC §4337. Alimony after retirement: a significant reduction in income supports spousal support modification. Furubotten Law, APC handles support modification throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.