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California temporary spousal support

California Alimony Calculator 2026

Estimate temporary spousal support using the common formula published by California Courts. California usually calls alimony spousal support.

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Estimate temporary support

Enter each person's average net monthly income. Net income is income after taxes and payroll deductions, before spousal support.

Use your average monthly take home income.

Use their average monthly take home income.

Optional. Count from the date of marriage to the date of separation. Decimals are okay.

How is California alimony calculated?

California calls alimony spousal support. For temporary support, judges often use a local guideline as a starting point. California Courts gives the common formula used here: 40% of the higher earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner's net monthly income.

Long term support is different. There is no statewide calculator formula for the amount. Under Family Code section 4320, the judge must consider earning capacity, the marital standard of living, need, ability to pay, assets and debts, marriage length, age and health, tax effects, hardship, domestic violence, and other relevant circumstances.

How is spousal support taxed in 2026?

For a California order or agreement made on or after January 1, 2026, the payer generally cannot deduct spousal support on California taxes and the recipient generally does not report it as California income. Federal law generally uses that treatment for orders made on or after January 1, 2019. Older orders can follow different rules.

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