California Length of Spousal Support: Gavron Warnings

California Family Code Section 4330 (a) states, “the court may order a party to pay for the support of the other party an amount, for a period of time, that the court determines is just and reasonable, based on the standard of living during the marriage.”

California Family Code Section 4330(b) states, “When making an order for spousal support, the court may advise the recipient of support that he or she should make reasonable efforts to assist in providing for his or her support needs…”

The later section is known as a Gavron Work Hardening Order. Essentially, if the court deems it appropriate, the court will issue a warning to the supported spouse that they must makes efforts to find work and support themselves, as the court intends to terminate or modify spousal support at a future date. See Marriage of Gavron (1988) 203 Cal. App.3d 705.

It is the goal of California law that each party make good faith efforts to become self supporting and not need spousal support. Failure to make such efforts maybe be a reason for the court to modify or terminate spousal support.

If you have a spousal support issue, call Morales Law, P.C. today for a free consultation (805) 422-7966.