Tool

California Spousal Support Estimator

Estimate temporary spousal support while a divorce is pending, from each spouse's net monthly income, using a formula a California superior court publishes.

California dissolution, custody and support: Family lawCalifornia dissolution, custody and support
Focused North County representation: CarlsbadFocused North County representation
High-asset and business-owner divorce: ComplexHigh-asset and business-owner divorce
Confidential, private case handling: DiscreetConfidential, private case handling

Paying spouse — monthly net income

Receiving spouse — monthly net income

Monthly child support paid (if any)

Your estimate

Enter each spouse's monthly net income to see an estimate of temporary support.

About this tool

This tool applies the published formula named in its methodology to the figures you enter. The result is an estimate, not a court order or a certified calculation, and it does not give legal advice.

Methodology

San Diego Superior Court's family law local rules publish no formula for temporary spousal support. This estimator uses the one Santa Clara County Superior Court publishes in its Family Rule 3(C): 40% of the paying spouse's net income, minus 50% of the receiving spouse's net income, computed on net income not allocated to child support. Long-term (post-judgment) spousal support is not set by formula: the court weighs the factors in Family Code section 4320.

Paying spouse's monthly net income, minus any child support paid
40% of that amount
Minus 50% of the receiving spouse's monthly net income
Never below zero

Limitations

San Diego courts publish no formula; this uses Santa Clara County's, and San Diego judges set temporary support from the full financial facts
Does not make the tax adjustment Santa Clara's rule calls for
Long-term spousal support is not calculated by formula in California
An estimate, not a court order or a certified California support calculation

Sources

Santa Clara County Superior Court Family Rules, Rule 3(C), Temporary Spousal or Partner Support Formula — Superior Court of California, County of Santa ClaraAccessed October 1, 2026
Family Code section 3600 (temporary support while proceedings are pending) — California Legislative InformationAccessed October 1, 2026
Family Code section 4320 (factors for long-term spousal support) — California Legislative InformationAccessed October 1, 2026

Methodology last reviewed October 1, 2026.

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