In California, spousal support can be granted at the time of separation or divorce. If support is not immediately necessary, the court may also grant a spouse the ability to ask for alimony later. This might happen if the marriage lasted longer than 10 years. Usually, alimony is only temporary. The spouse who is paying alimony can deduct these payments from his/her taxes. Because of this, in some cases high spousal support payments can actually present a tax benefit. However, many ex-spouses find it to be burdensome and petition the court to reduce or eliminate it as soon as possible. One spouse may be able to continue receiving medical coverage under the other spouse's medical plan in the event of a divorce (under COBRA). However, the spouse would be required to pay his/her own premiums in order to keep the coverage in effect. This continuation of coverage can last for up to 3 years.