There are two kinds of spousal support, temporary spousal support that is meant to “maintain the status quo of the marital lifestyle” to hold the lower earner spouse over until the divorce process is over. And then there is the amount of permanent spousal support which is usually determined at the end of the divorce case, as well as the duration of permanent spousal support.
Amicable divorce cases typically only aim to reach an agreement for permanent spousal support. Couples usually skip temporary spousal support calculations altogether.
Temporary spousal support is typically calculated using a calculator called Dissomaster. The Dissomaster program is a subscription that judges use on the bench, and that attorneys pay for to have in their law practices. There is a free version of this calculator on California’s child support website.
Permanent Spousal Support
The Law: Permanent spousal support is not calculated with a formula or percentage. Judges must determine a spousal support amount based on a list of factors set forth in Family Code, Section 4320, and the sections that follow 4320: