Most states use a formula based on the income difference between spouses and the length of the marriage. Courts also consider the standard of living established during the marriage.
Alimony Calculator
State guidelines research · April 2026 · Editorial standards
Reviewed by TheLegalCalc Editorial TeamLegal disclaimer
Legal information only. Results are estimates for planning purposes and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
Estimate spousal support payments based on income difference and length of marriage.
How this Alimony calculator works
Alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) is designed to limit the unfair economic effects of divorce. This calculator uses a general formula based on the income difference between spouses...
Alimony laws across the U.S.: what you need to know
Federal baseline rules often apply nationwide, but state statutes, court rules, and agency practice can change amounts, deadlines, and remedies. Choose your state in the calculator to read jurisdiction-specific context. Always confirm current law with a licensed attorney in your state.
Frequently asked questions
Key factors include length of marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, age and health, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living during marriage.
Duration varies by state and marriage length. Short marriages may yield 1–3 years; marriages over 20 years may result in long-term or permanent support in some states.
Yes. Alimony typically ends upon the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or if there is a significant change in either party's financial circumstances.
Under current federal law (post-2018 divorces), alimony is neither deductible by the payer nor taxable income to the recipient due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Short-term support designed to help a spouse become self-sufficient through education or job training. Most common for shorter marriages.
In some states (e.g., North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia), marital misconduct including adultery can significantly impact alimony awards.
Alimony supports a former spouse; child support supports the children. They are calculated separately and have different tax and legal treatment.
Legal Sources & References
- Cal. Fam. Code § 4320 — California spousal support factors
- Tex. Fam. Code § 8.051 — Texas spousal maintenance
- N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236-B — New York maintenance framework
- Fla. Stat. § 61.08 — Florida alimony (including post-2023 amendments such as HB 1409)
- National Conference of State Legislatures — Alimony and spousal support laws
Citations are for research and verification. Statutes, thresholds, and agency guidance change; confirm the current text with official sources or a licensed attorney in your state.
Official Government & Bar Resources
Legal Disclaimer: The results provided by TheLegalCalc are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state before making legal decisions.
Legal disclaimer
This calculator provides general U.S. planning estimates for informational purposes only. Select your state for jurisdiction-specific limitations. Results do not constitute legal advice.
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