TEMPORARY VS. PERMANENT SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN CA FAMILY LAW DIVORCES
California law provides for two distinct types of spousal support—temporary and permanent.
Awards of temporary spousal support do not serve the same purpose, nor are they governed by the same procedures, as awards for permanent spousal support. Temporary spousal support and permanent spousal support differ fundamentally in nature and function.
Temporary spousal support is meant to allow a spouse to continue to live in the manner to which he or she is accustomed during the time the dissolution action is pending.
Permanent spousal support is intended to make an equitable apportionment between the parties, It is also used to provide a spouse with whatever is needed by him or her to litigate properly his or her side of the controversy.