An alimony calculator helps estimate monthly spousal support payments during or after a divorce. Also called spousal maintenance, alimony is typically based on the income difference between spouses and how long the marriage lasted. This tool uses common formulas to provide a general estimate — actual amounts vary significantly by state, court discretion, and individual circumstances.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This is a general estimate only. Actual alimony varies significantly by state and court discretion. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a family law attorney for accurate, state-specific calculations.
Spousal Income Details
Gross Monthly Income
Gross monthly income before taxes
Gross monthly income before taxes
Marriage Details
Number of years married
Some states have specific formulas
Tax filing status during divorce
Estimated Monthly Alimony
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Calculation Breakdown
Income Comparison
This estimate is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual alimony is determined by state-specific laws, judicial discretion, and individual circumstances. Always consult a family law attorney for accurate calculations.
How to Use This Alimony Estimator
Divorce and separation often involve complex financial decisions, and spousal support (also called alimony or spousal maintenance) is one of the most significant. This estimator uses common formulas based on the income difference between spouses and the length of the marriage to provide a general starting point. While every state has different rules and judges have broad discretion, the principles used here reflect widely adopted guidelines.
Step 1: Enter Each Spouse's Gross Monthly Income
Start by entering the gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions) for both the higher-earning and lower-earning spouse. Include all sources: wages, salary, self-employment income, bonuses, investment returns, and any other regular earnings. If income varies month to month, use a monthly average based on the past 12 months.
Step 2: Enter the Marriage Duration
Enter the number of years the marriage lasted. This is one of the most important factors in alimony calculations. Short marriages (under 5 years) typically result in lower support percentages and shorter payment durations. Marriages lasting 10-20 years receive moderate support, while marriages over 20 years may qualify for long-term or even permanent alimony in many jurisdictions.
Step 3: Select Your State and Filing Status
Choose your state from the dropdown to apply state-specific formula adjustments where available. States like California, New York, and Illinois have codified formulas, while others rely more on judicial discretion. The filing status affects how income is treated during the transition year. If your state is not listed, the "General" option uses a nationally representative formula.
Step 4: Review the Estimate
After clicking "Estimate Alimony," you will see the estimated monthly payment, how long payments might last, the total cost over the full duration, and a detailed breakdown of the calculation. The income comparison chart shows the relative earnings and how the alimony amount relates to the higher earner's income. Use this as a discussion starting point with your attorney or mediator.
Understanding the Formula
The general alimony formula works as follows: the income difference between spouses is multiplied by a duration factor that ranges from 30% for short marriages to 45% for very long marriages. Payment duration is typically one-third to one-half of the marriage length for shorter marriages, increasing for longer marriages. Some states use specific formulas — for example, California often uses 40% of the higher earner's income minus 50% of the lower earner's income. All calculations run privately in your browser and no data is stored or shared.
FAQ
Is this alimony calculator free?
Yes, this spousal support estimator is completely free with no signup, no account, and no hidden costs. All calculations run locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your financial information is never stored or transmitted anywhere.
Is my financial data private and secure?
Absolutely. All calculations happen entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No income figures or personal information is ever sent to any server. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the calculator will continue to work.
Is this alimony estimate legally binding?
No. This tool provides a general estimate using simplified formulas for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for state-specific spousal support guidelines. Actual alimony amounts are determined by courts based on many factors. Always consult a family law attorney.
How is alimony calculated?
Alimony is typically calculated based on the income difference between spouses, the duration of the marriage, and various other factors like standard of living, age, and earning capacity. Most formulas use a percentage of the income gap, usually between 30% and 45%, adjusted for how long the marriage lasted.
How long does alimony last?
Alimony duration varies by state and circumstances. Short marriages (under 5 years) may result in support lasting one-third of the marriage length. Long marriages (20+ years) may result in indefinite or permanent alimony. Most states use a fraction of the marriage duration as a guideline.
Does marriage duration affect alimony amount?
Yes, significantly. Longer marriages typically result in higher alimony percentages and longer payment durations. A 5-year marriage might use 30% of the income difference, while a 25-year marriage might use 45%. Courts generally view longer marriages as creating greater financial interdependence.
What factors do courts consider for spousal support?
Courts consider many factors including each spouse's income and earning capacity, length of marriage, standard of living during the marriage, age and health, contributions to the marriage (including homemaking), and the ability of the paying spouse to support both households. This calculator focuses on income and duration as the primary factors.