California Spousal Support Statutory Framework Explorer
Interactive analysis of marital duration thresholds (Fam. Code § 4336), statutory balancing factors (§ 4320), and temporary formula vs. permanent support discretion.
Archetype Scenarios:
Case Parameters & DisparityCal. Fam. Code
Duration of Marriage (Years)8.5 yrs
High-Earner Monthly Gross ($)$37,500
Supported Party Monthly Gross ($)$6,667
§ 4320 Key Statutory Balancing Weights (1–10)
Supported Spouse Earning Capacity3
Career/Education Support Contribution4
Supporting Spouse Ability to Pay9
Marital Standard of Living (MSOL)8
Asset / Wealth Cushion Ratio5
Self-Sufficiency Feasibility6
§ 4320 Statutory Factor BalanceMulti-Axis
Outer perimeter = Stronger weight toward higher/longer permanent support discretion.
Duration & Guideline BenchmarksShort Duration
Cal. Fam. Code § 4336: Marriages under 10 years follow the rebuttable standard of support lasting approximately half the duration of the marriage.
Judicial Discretion vs. Temporary Guidelines Analysis
Alameda Guideline (Temporary)
$12,300/mo
Formula: 40% Earner - 50% Payee
Santa Clara Guideline (Temporary)
$11,800/mo
Formula: 35% Earner - 40% Payee
Permanent Discretionary Tier
Moderate Support
Trial judges prohibited from strict formula
Note on California Law: Computer formulas (DissoMaster) are permissible only for temporary pendente lite support (Fam. Code § 3600). At final trial under § 4320, appellate courts (e.g., Marriage of Burlini, Marriage of Cheriton) prohibit reliance on computer formulas; judges must balance every statutory factor individually.