A spousal support buyout occurs when the paying spouse offers a lump-sum payment to the receiving spouse in exchange for waiving all or part of their future spousal support rights. Essentially, instead of making monthly alimony payments over months or years, the parties agree that the receiving/payee spouse will take a one-time payment and give up any claim to future support, or agree to a reduced or limited amount. Why Divorcing Couples Choose a Buyout There are several reasons why

Temporary vs. Long-Term Spousal Support California recognizes two main types of spousal support: temporary (pendente lite) and long-term (post-judgment). Temporary support is meant to help the lower-earning spouse maintain stability while the divorce is pending. Judges usually calculate it using county guideline formulas, such as those in the Santa Clara or Alameda support calculators, which factor in each spouse’s income, taxes, and deductions. Long-term support, ordered after the divorce is final, is more individualized. The judge must consider a range