State laws dictate how much spousal support may have to be paid, if at all. A spouse can also refuse spousal support, which should be in writing before final divorce papers are filed. If it is decided that spousal support should be paid, the judge may calculate the amount due based on a variety of factors including:
Wages of each spouse
Emotional and physical health of each spouse
Standard of living during the marriage
Length of the marriage
Earning capacity of each spouse
The payments may be required for a set amount of time until the courts declare an end date, or until the receiving spouse remarries. Often the time is based on how long it may take the lower earning-spouse to be able to earn a living wage.