Los Angeles, CA family law attorney Robyn Santucci talks about how many years you have to be married to get spousal support. She explains that eligibility for spousal support is not solely determined by the length of the marriage; a spouse may qualify for support regardless of how long the marriage lasted. Even in short-term marriages—typically defined as those lasting under 10 years—a spouse can still be eligible. However, the length of the marriage generally impacts how long support may be granted. In shorter marriages, support is usually awarded for a shorter period, as courts often expect individuals to work toward self-sufficiency over time.