Alimony in California

When a couple separates or divorces, the court may order one spouse to pay the other a certain amount of support money each month. This is called “spousal support.” A spousal support award is not mandatory in dissolution or legal separation proceedings in California. Courts have discretion (within statutory parameters) to deny spousal support altogether or to limit it in an amount and duration that reflects the ability of both parties to provide for their own needs.

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Marriage and Partnerships Description Price
Short term marriage NO personal property, children or real property $375
Marriages with personal property NO children, includes written Agreement $475
Marriages with children Includes written Agreement $475
Marriages with real property Includes written Agreement $575
Summary Dissolution Please check qualifications for Summary Dissolution $375
Termination of Domestic Partnership through Secretary of State Please check qualifications for Secretary of State procedure $275
Response to Dissolution $150-$175
Motion or Contested Proceedings Price
Spousal Support Motion (RFO) $375
Spousal Support Motion with Custody and Visitation Request (RFO) $475
Emergency Spousal Support Motion (RFO)
Includes request for temporary orders.
$550
Emergency Spousal Support Motion with Custody and Visitation Request
Includes request for temporary orders.
$650

Marriage and Partnerships Services

  • Short term marriage NO personal property, children or real property – $375
  • Marriages with personal property, NO children, includes written Agreement – $475
  • Marriages with children, Includes written Agreement – $475
  • Marriages with real property, Includes written Agreement – $575
  • Summary Dissolution, Please check qualifications for Summary Dissolution – $375
  • Termination of Domestic Partnership through Secretary of State, Please check qualifications for Secretary of State procedure – $275
  • Response to Dissolution – $150-$175

Motions or Contested Proceedings

  • Spousal Support Motion (RFO) – $375
  • Spousal Support Motion with Custody and Visitation request (RFO) – $475
  • Emergency Spousal Support Motion (RFO)
    Includes request for temporary orders. – $550
  • Emergency Spousal Support Motion with Custody and Visitation request
    Includes request for temporary orders – $650