⚖️ Alimony Calculator
Alimony — also called spousal support or maintenance — is the payment one spouse may have to make to the other after a divorce. Many US states guide judges with a formula based on the two incomes and how long the marriage lasted, and this calculator applies that widely used guideline so you can see a realistic estimate before any paperwork starts.
Enter the higher earner's income, the lower earner's income and the length of the marriage. You will see the estimated monthly and yearly support, a guideline range for how long payments might last, and the total that range implies. This is an estimate for planning only — it is not legal advice, and actual awards are set by courts under state law.
How to use this calculator
Enter both annual gross incomes and the length of the marriage, then press Calculate.
- Enter the paying spouse's annual gross income.
- Enter the receiving spouse's annual gross income (enter 0 if they have no income).
- Enter how many years the marriage lasted.
- Press Calculate to see the monthly estimate, the suggested duration range and the totals it implies.
How Courts Actually Decide Alimony
The guideline formula gives a starting point, not a verdict. Judges typically weigh the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, the standard of living during the marriage, contributions to the other spouse's career, and the time needed for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting. Some states cap the income the formula applies to, some use different percentages, and a few leave the amount almost entirely to the judge.
Duration follows its own logic: shorter marriages usually mean shorter, rehabilitative support meant to bridge a transition, while long marriages — especially over 20 to 25 years — can lead to support lasting until retirement age. Child support, where children are involved, is calculated separately under its own guidelines and can change the alimony picture. For anything beyond a rough estimate, a family-law attorney in your state is the right next step.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated?
A widely used guideline takes the lesser of two figures: 30% of the paying spouse's gross income minus 20% of the receiving spouse's income, or 40% of the combined incomes minus the receiving spouse's income. This calculator applies that formula, then divides the yearly result by 12 for the monthly estimate.
How long does alimony usually last?
Guidelines in many states tie duration to the length of the marriage: roughly 15–30% of the marriage length for marriages under 15 years, 30–40% for 15–20 years, and 35–50% for 20–25 years. After very long marriages, support may continue until the paying spouse reaches retirement age.
Is alimony the same as child support?
No. Alimony supports the former spouse; child support supports the children and is calculated under separate state guidelines. When both apply, child support is usually worked out first, and it can reduce the income available for alimony.
Can this calculator tell me exactly what I will pay or receive?
No — and no online calculator can. It gives a guideline estimate for planning. Actual awards depend on your state's law, statutory income caps, and many factors a judge weighs case by case. For a binding figure you need a court order, ideally prepared with a family-law attorney.