No, CA filing status needs to be the same as federal. 

You need to allocate the income properly on the Ca part year/nonresident return on Form CA

Poolcleaner,

Just a reminder - as I often forget - CA is a community property state.

Hope things are well.

So is Texas!  Wishing the same for you!

Lisa, the problem is that he remained a California resident throughout the year and into 2021 while she moved out of California in June of 2020.  I know that there was a rule in effect 30 years or so ago that said that in this type of situation the residency was treated as if they both lived where the husband lived.  I would guess that that rule may have changed!

Maybe:  Bottom of page 11 in FTB Pub 1031 "no intention of reconciliation".

Don't know if that helps.

No separation involved!