Spousal Support / Alimony
A spousal support award is not mandatory in dissolution or legal separation proceedings. California Courts have broad discretion to award, deny, and/or limit spousal support with regards to amount and duration. The Court shall consider multiple factors enumerated in Family Code Section 4320(a)-(n). However, the ultimate decision is still within the Court's discretion.

The purpose of spousal support is to recognize the recipient spouse's contribution to the marriage and to assist that spouse to become self-supporting as soon as possible.

Requirements for Spousal Support
Spousal support or alimony is only granted to individuals who were involved in valid marriage.

Modification of Spousal Support Award
Either party, the supporting or the supported party can move the Court to modify spousal support award. Modification can be a demand to increase, decrease, limit or extend duration, or terminate the spousal support. This can usually be accomplished by filing with the Court an Order to Show Cause.

The moving party has to prove to the Court that there has been change in the circumstances that led to such request to modify. Such circumstances can be substantial change of income (increase or decrease), remarriage or death of the non-moving party.