Alimony/Spousal Support Calculator

Alimony (also called spousal support or maintenance) varies significantly by state. Some states use formulas, while others leave it to judicial discretion.

Select Your State

Monthly Income

Higher-Earning Spouse Gross Monthly Income

Lower-Earning Spouse Gross Monthly Income

Marriage Length

Length of Marriage (Years)

years

Standard of Living

Alimony & Child Support Are Connected

In most states, alimony paid or received directly affects child support calculations. Alimony payments typically reduce the payer's income and increase the recipient's income for child support purposes, which can significantly change the support amount.

Calculate Child Support

Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a family law attorney for official calculations.

Alimony Types Explained

Temporary

Short-term support during divorce proceedings

Rehabilitative

Support while recipient gains skills/education for self-sufficiency

Permanent

Long-term or lifetime support for long marriages or special circumstances

Reimbursement

Repayment for contributions to spouse's education/career

Lump Sum

One-time payment instead of ongoing support

State Alimony Information

State	Type	Description
Alabama(AL)	Discretionary	Alabama courts have broad discretion in awarding alimony. No statutory formula exists.
Alaska(AK)	Discretionary	Alaska uses judicial discretion. Courts consider reorientation alimony to help transition.
Arizona(AZ)	Hybrid	Arizona has no set formula but courts follow established guidelines. Spousal maintenance focuses on need and ability to pay.
Arkansas(AR)	Discretionary	Arkansas courts have discretion in awarding alimony based on need and ability to pay.
California(CA)	Hybrid	California uses county-specific guidelines (Santa Clara, Marin). Long marriages (10+ years) may get permanent support.
Colorado(CO)	Formula-Based	Colorado has an advisory guideline formula for marriages over 3 years with combined income under $240,000.
Connecticut(CT)	Discretionary	Connecticut courts have broad discretion. Permanent alimony is possible for long marriages.
Delaware(DE)	Discretionary	Delaware focuses on financial need and ability to pay. Fault is not typically considered.
District of Columbia(DC)	Discretionary	DC courts have discretion in awarding alimony based on need and ability.
Florida(FL)	Hybrid	Florida reformed alimony laws in 2023, eliminating permanent alimony. Duration based on marriage length.
Georgia(GA)	Discretionary	Georgia courts have wide discretion. Adultery can bar alimony.
Hawaii(HI)	Discretionary	Hawaii courts focus on need and ability to pay, with emphasis on self-sufficiency.
Idaho(ID)	Discretionary	Idaho courts have broad discretion. Focus on need and ability to pay.
Illinois(IL)	Formula-Based	Illinois uses a statutory formula for calculating maintenance amount and duration.
Indiana(IN)	Hybrid	Indiana limits maintenance to 3 years (rehabilitative) unless incapacitated or caring for disabled child.
Iowa(IA)	Discretionary	Iowa uses traditional and rehabilitative alimony based on need and ability.
Kansas(KS)	Hybrid	Kansas limits maintenance to 121 months unless parties agree otherwise.
Kentucky(KY)	Discretionary	Kentucky courts award maintenance based on need and reasonable time to become self-supporting.
Louisiana(LA)	Hybrid	Louisiana final periodic support is limited to one-third of payer's net income.
Maine(ME)	Hybrid	Maine uses general, transitional, reimbursement, and nominal alimony types.
Maryland(MD)	Discretionary	Maryland courts have discretion in awarding alimony. May be indefinite or rehabilitative.
Massachusetts(MA)	Formula-Based	Massachusetts has statutory guidelines limiting duration based on marriage length.
Michigan(MI)	Discretionary	Michigan courts have broad discretion. Consider need and ability to pay.
Minnesota(MN)	Discretionary	Minnesota awards temporary or permanent maintenance based on need.
Mississippi(MS)	Discretionary	Mississippi courts have broad discretion in awarding alimony.
Missouri(MO)	Discretionary	Missouri courts consider need and ability to pay for maintenance awards.
Montana(MT)	Discretionary	Montana focuses on maintaining reasonable needs and standard of living.
Nebraska(NE)	Discretionary	Nebraska courts award alimony based on need and ability.
Nevada(NV)	Discretionary	Nevada courts consider financial condition and ability of each spouse.
New Hampshire(NH)	Discretionary	New Hampshire awards term or reimbursement alimony based on need.
New Jersey(NJ)	Hybrid	New Jersey revised alimony laws in 2014. Permanent alimony rare for marriages under 20 years.
New Mexico(NM)	Discretionary	New Mexico awards spousal support based on need and ability.
New York(NY)	Formula-Based	New York uses a statutory formula with income caps for calculating maintenance.
North Carolina(NC)	Discretionary	North Carolina requires proof of being dependent spouse. Marital fault can affect awards.
North Dakota(ND)	Discretionary	North Dakota courts have discretion in awarding spousal support.
Ohio(OH)	Discretionary	Ohio courts consider multiple factors for spousal support awards.
Oklahoma(OK)	Discretionary	Oklahoma courts have discretion for support alimony and alimony in lieu of property.
Oregon(OR)	Discretionary	Oregon uses transitional, compensatory, and maintenance support types.
Pennsylvania(PA)	Formula-Based	Pennsylvania uses a formula for APL (alimony pendente lite) and factors for post-divorce alimony.
Rhode Island(RI)	Discretionary	Rhode Island courts consider need and ability for alimony awards.
South Carolina(SC)	Discretionary	South Carolina offers multiple alimony types based on circumstances.
South Dakota(SD)	Discretionary	South Dakota courts have discretion in awarding alimony based on need.
Tennessee(TN)	Hybrid	Tennessee revised alimony laws with focus on rehabilitation and transitional support.
Texas(TX)	Formula-Based	Texas has strict eligibility requirements. Maintenance capped at 20% of gross income or $5,000/month.
Utah(UT)	Hybrid	Utah generally limits alimony to the length of the marriage.
Vermont(VT)	Discretionary	Vermont courts consider need and ability for maintenance awards.
Virginia(VA)	Discretionary	Virginia courts have broad discretion. Marital fault is a factor.
Washington(WA)	Discretionary	Washington courts focus on economic circumstances and duration of marriage.
West Virginia(WV)	Discretionary	West Virginia courts award alimony based on financial need.
Wisconsin(WI)	Discretionary	Wisconsin courts consider fairness and length of marriage for maintenance.
Wyoming(WY)	Discretionary	Wyoming courts have discretion for alimony awards based on need.