When a marriage ends, one of the most common questions people ask is: How long will I have to pay — or receive — spousal support? The answer depends on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial situations of each spouse, and the discretion of the court.
At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, based in Torrance, California, we help clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley understand what to expect when it comes to the duration of support and how to plan for their financial future.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Marriages
Under California law, the duration of spousal support often begins with one key distinction: whether the marriage is considered short-term or long-term.
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Short-term marriages are generally those lasting less than 10 years. In these cases, the court typically expects the supported spouse to become self-sufficient within a reasonable period — often defined as about half the length of the marriage.
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Long-term marriages, defined as those lasting 10 years or more, allow the court to retain ongoing jurisdiction over support. This means that spousal support does not automatically end after a fixed period. Instead, it continues until the court decides that it should be reduced or terminated, usually when the supported spouse becomes self-supporting or other major life changes occur.
Our firm regularly represents clients in both short-term and long-term marriage cases across Torrance, Long Beach, and Pasadena, ensuring that support orders are fair and consistent with each party’s circumstances.
When Support Can Be Modified or Ended
Even after an order is issued, spousal support is not necessarily permanent. Either spouse can request a modification if there is a material change in circumstances. Common examples include:
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Significant increase or decrease in either spouse’s income
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Job loss, retirement, or disability
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The supported spouse remarrying or entering a new domestic partnership
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Cohabitation with a new partner, which may reduce financial need
At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, we help clients petition the court to modify or terminate support based on these life changes. We also defend against unfair modification requests to ensure existing orders remain appropriate.
The Goal of Self-Sufficiency
California law emphasizes that spousal support should not last forever. Courts expect supported spouses to make reasonable efforts to become self-supporting. This expectation is often formalized through what is known as a Gavron warning, which notifies the supported spouse that they are expected to work toward financial independence within a certain timeframe.
Judges in Torrance, Downtown Los Angeles, and the South Bay frequently consider a spouse’s education, work history, and job prospects when deciding how long support should continue.
Why Experience Matters
Because judges have broad discretion, no two support orders are identical. An experienced family law attorney who understands the tendencies of local courts can make a meaningful difference. With over three decades of experience, the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers provides clients across Los Angeles and Orange Counties with strategic, knowledgeable representation aimed at achieving fair and realistic outcomes.
Take the Next Step
If you have questions about how long your spousal support should last — or whether it can be modified — contact the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers today. We represent clients in Torrance, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, and throughout Southern California, helping them protect their rights and plan for long-term financial stability.