Prepare an agreement to change long-term support

You can't base the new amount on a support calculator program.  Long-term spousal support is based on the factors in Family Code 4320 (opens in a new tab). 

In your agreement, you must 

• Show what your situation is for each of the factors
• Explain how it's different from when the court made the last order

You can see all these factors in Understand the factors a judge must consider or Spousal or Domestic Partner Support Declaration Attachment (form FL-157).

How much one person will pay the other each month
Spousal support is usually a set amount each month. But, if someone’s income changes, there are other options, like having support increase one month if your spouse gets a bonus. You can also agree that it will change over time.

How long support will be paid  
You can agree on a date that support will end. 

How the payments will be made 
You can agree for payments to be made either 

• Directly between the two of you 

• Directly from the person’s paycheck (called an earnings assignment or wage garnishment) 

Once you agree on all these issues, you need to write-up the agreement. 

You can use court forms. If you don't, you will need to write your own declaration that has the same information.

• Spousal, Domestic Partner, or Family Support Order Attachment (form FL-343)

  Use Form FL-343 to write out the details of your agreement.

• Spousal or Domestic Partner Support Declaration Attachment (form FL-157)

  Use Form FL-157 to show the judge that you considered all the Family Code 4320 factors before agreeing to the change. 

• Spousal or Domestic Partner Support Factors Under Family Code Section 4320—Attachment (form FL-349) 

  Use Form FL-349 to explain your final agreement about the Family Code 4320 factors. Attach this to form FL-343

You will need a cover sheet for your agreement attachments. You will both need to sign and date the coversheet, and leave space for the judge to sign. You can use a 

or your court’s family law facilitator or self-help center may have a coversheet you can use.

Both you and your spouse need to sign the agreement. Then you need to make two copies. 

Unlike other forms, agreements don’t get filed right away. A judge has to sign the agreement before it can be filed. You will generally need to pay a filing fee.

Ask a clerk or the family law facilitator or self-help center:

• Where to bring the agreement to get a judge’s signature 

• How you get the signed agreement back 

• What your fee will be

It may take several days to get the signed copy back. You may be able to pick it up in person or have the court mail it to you.  

When you get back the signed agreement, it should have the judge's signature and a stamp that says "filed."  It is now a court order. Give a copy to your former spouse or domestic partner.