There are multiple factors that impact the duration of spousal support. First, California law limits it for shorter marriages. Your entitlement to it varies, depending on whether you were: Married for less than ten years: There is a rebuttablepresumption that support is paid for half of the length of the marriage. (For example, if the marriage lasted for six years, alimony is typically for three years.) Married ten or more years: The family court retains jurisdiction over support payments indefinitely (unless the spouses negotiate a shorter term). In other words, you could pay alimony for life. However, the length of the marriage is not the only factor the court considers. The court must also evaluate each spouse’s financial resources and earning potential. Even if you the marriage lasted for ten or more years, lifetime alimony is relatively rare. For example, a stay-at-home mother with limited education and training may be entitled to alimony for a very long time. But, a spouse who is completing her MBA (which may significantly increase her earning potential) may eligible for alimony for a shorter period of time. Finally, most spousal support orders are modifiable. If you or your spouse’s financial circumstances significantly change, you may be able to reduce or terminate alimony payments.