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Community property and a short-term marriage

California is a community-property state: in general, spouses keep separate property and split community property (what’s acquired during marriage), subject to exceptions and tracing. Courts rely on statutory factors to decide support and won’t simply rubber-stamp either side’s numbers. Self-Help California Courts Findlaw

Because this was a short-term marriage, common guidance is that post-judgment spousal support, if ordered, often lasts about half the length of the marriage—though judges retain discretion. Temporary (pendente lite) support is frequently awarded during the case to stabilize the status quo. maknounilaw.com Hann Law Firm

One wrinkle: several reports emphasize Geffen’s retirement and the characterization of his wealth as passive investment income and separate assets—issues that can complicate community-property claims. Ultimately, classification turns on California law and evidence, not headlines.

Why Geffen’s “voluntary payments” note matters

By highlighting rent-free housing and voluntary monthly support, the defense is signaling reasonableness and trying to set a benchmark for what “need” looks like—without conceding liability for lifetime support. Courts still apply Family Code §4320 factors (earning capacity, standard of living, age/health, documented needs, and more) to craft any temporary or final orders.  Findlaw

What to watch next

• Contract proof: Does Michaels produce texts, emails, or witnesses showing an express or implied-in-fact promise of lifetime support or asset sharing? That’s the heart of any Marvin claim. Justia
• Support duration: With a sub-two-year marriage, expect arguments over temporary support now versus the typical “half-the-length” guidance later.
• Narrative vs. evidence: Courts weigh documents, financial records, and credible testimony over rhetoric. Both sides are already litigating in the court of public opinion; only evidence wins in court.

🛑 It should be noted that the assertions in Michaels’ lawsuit are merely allegations and have not been proven in a court of law.