Family Code Section 4330 defines a Gavron warning per the following: “(b) When making an order for spousal support, the court may advise the recipient of support that he or she should make reasonable efforts to assist in providing for his or her support needs, taking into account the particular circumstances considered by the court pursuant to Section 4320, unless, in the case of a marriage of long duration as provided for in Section 4336, the court decides this warning is inadvisable.”
Notice that it says, “may advise.” This is a tool at the judge’s disposal to use at their discretion. Remember that the job of the judge is to make sure that not only is the law followed, but that decisions serve justice in the grey areas. The judge may decide whether to give a Gavron warning depending on the circumstances. The supporting party or their attorney may ask the court to issue a Gavron warning, though the judge will make the final decision.
In some cases, a Gavron warning – or something similar to it – is present in the wording of the divorce agreement, generally as a way of putting a set time limit on the length of time the supporting party must pay alimony.