How does alimony work?

So I got married in 2009 and separated in 2013 and just now getting divorced which it’s almost finalized. Now how does alimony work? I had court last month and the judge asked me if I’m asking for spousal support and I said no but now that he’s trying to make it impossible for me to get divorced and not turning in paper work that he is suppose to turn in, it’s taking longer for it to get finalized. So can I still ask for spousal support? I just don’t know how it work

Edit: also Is he doesn’t fill out the paper work and turn it in which I believe is his income, etc can the divorce still fall through? Btw i live in California