Alimony Estimator
Get a rough estimate of potential alimony or spousal support based on income difference, marriage duration, and common state formulas.
Alimony (spousal support) estimation combines income-based formulas with judicial discretion. Courts in the United States and many other countries use specific formulas as starting points, though final amounts depend heavily on state law, marriage duration, and individual circumstances.
Common US alimony formula (general guidelines): Guideline Amount = 30–40% of Payor’s Gross Income − 20–30% of Recipient’s Gross Income
Some states use a specific duration formula: Duration = Marriage Length × 0.3 to 0.5 (e.g., a 20-year marriage → 6–10 years of support)
What each variable means:
- Payor — the higher-earning spouse who makes support payments
- Recipient — the lower-earning spouse who receives payments
- Gross income — pre-tax earnings from all sources: wages, self-employment, investment income, rental income
- Marriage duration — the length of the marriage is the single most important factor in duration of support
- Standard of living — courts aim to maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to what existed during the marriage
Types of alimony:
- Temporary (pendente lite) — during divorce proceedings only
- Rehabilitative — for a fixed period while recipient gains education or employment skills
- Permanent — rare; typically for very long marriages (20+ years) or disabled recipients
- Lump-sum — one-time payment in lieu of ongoing monthly payments
Factors that reduce or eliminate alimony:
- Recipient remarries (terminates in most jurisdictions)
- Cohabitation with a new partner (may suspend payments)
- Recipient’s income substantially increases
- Payor retires at normal retirement age
Reference: state-specific examples
- California: no formula; judge has full discretion
- New York: 25% of payor’s income − 20% of recipient’s income (gross)
- Texas: limited to lesser of $5,000/month or 20% of payor’s gross monthly income
- Florida: based on need and ability to pay; no set formula
Worked example: Payor gross income: $9,000/month. Recipient gross income: $2,500/month. Marriage: 14 years.
Estimated guideline: 30% × $9,000 − 20% × $2,500 = $2,700 − $500 = $2,200/month Duration (× 0.4 for 14 years): 14 × 0.4 = 5.6 years (~67 months) Total estimated payments: $2,200 × 67 = $147,400
This is a starting point only — always consult a family law attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance.