Spousal support (also known as alimony) is a court ordered payment from one spouse or domestic partner to help cover the other's monthly expenses. The main kinds of alimony in California are temporary (short-term) and permanent (long-term).Once a divorce is final, you may receive (or pay) spousal or domestic partner support. This is called permanent or long-term spousal support. In terms of duration, there are two types of alimony: temporary and permanent. Learn about the kinds of spousal support in California, how judges decide the amount and duration of alimony, and whether you can change the award later. If you were married for fewer than 10 years, then alimony is generally paid for up to half the length of the marriage (so 10 years or fewer). California has two types of alimony. The court will use each spouse's monthly income, assets, expenses, and debt to determine a specific amount for the alimony. Am I entitled to alimony in my San Diego divorce case?