Is support is provided upon spouse living separate on agreement?

Full question:

I live in California. My husband and I got mutually separated two months ago due to differences between us. I would like to know if my husband be responsible for spousal support?

  • Category: Divorce
  • Subcategory: Legal Separation
  • Date:
  • State: California

Answer:

In California, the spouse is not responsible to provide support to his or her spouse when the parties have agreed to live separately from each other unless the support is stipulated in the agreement.

The relevant statute is given below.

Cal Fam Code § 4302 reads:

“A person is not liable for support of the person's spouse when the person is living separate from the spouse by agreement unless support is stipulated in the agreement.”

Therefore, your husband shall be liable to support you if the support is stipulated in the agreement.
 
 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In California, separation can impact alimony, also known as spousal support. If spouses mutually agree to live apart, one spouse is generally not obligated to support the other unless specified in a separation agreement. This means that if no agreement exists, alimony may not be awarded. It's essential to document any financial arrangements during separation to clarify support responsibilities.