At least one spouse or partner must complete the required legal process and obtain a written judgment. More information on dissolutions (external site ).A US citizen payer should be allowed a deduction on his or her US tax return for alimony payments made to a nonresident. Explore the international divorce process when your spouse is abroad. Get expert guidance from Bryan Fagan, PLLC to navigate complex issues. California residents can expect to receive alimony, if they qualify, for half the length of their marriage. You must be living separately for at least six months before filing for divorce. You may still live under the same roof, but not live and behave as a couple. You may qualify for utility assistance and no-cost Weatherization of your home or. In the case of a divorce, this duty is continued for a length of time depending on the duration of the marriage.