Free alimony calculator estimates spousal support payments using income differential, duration factor, and state modifier formulas.
Alimony, also called spousal support or spousal maintenance, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another after divorce. It is meant to reduce the economic gap created by separation and keep the lower-earning spouse from bearing the full financial shock alone.
Because alimony rules vary widely by state, this calculator uses a simplified worksheet model instead of pretending to mirror every jurisdiction. It compares the income gap under several common formula styles and projects a rough duration based on the selected support type. It is useful for planning and negotiation, not for deciding what a court will order.
Estimating alimony before divorce proceedings helps both parties plan financially. A worksheet makes the assumptions visible so settlement discussions and mediation can focus on the numbers rather than on vague expectations.
Income Difference = Higher Income − Lower Income Income-Shares Monthly = Income Difference × 0.35 × State Modifier × Child Adjustment Percentage Monthly = Income Difference × 0.33 × State Modifier × Child Adjustment Melson Monthly = Income Difference × 0.30 × State Modifier × Child Adjustment AAML Monthly = (Higher Income × 0.30 − Lower Income × 0.20) × State Modifier × Child Adjustment Child Adjustment = max(1 − 0.05 × Number of Children, 0) Duration Estimate = based on selected alimony type and marriage length, then capped by the worksheet rules
Result: $2,450/month
Income difference is $10,000 − $3,000 = $7,000. Under the income-shares worksheet rule, $7,000 × 0.35 = $2,450 per month before any duration estimate or other adjustments.
Temporary alimony (pendente lite) is paid during divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative alimony supports the recipient while they gain education or skills. Permanent alimony continues indefinitely for long marriages. Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment instead of periodic support.
States like California use a formula-based approach for temporary support while considering multiple factors for permanent orders. New York applies a specific formula capping duration. Texas limits alimony to the lesser of $5,000/month or 20% of income. Always check your specific jurisdiction.
Many divorces settle alimony through negotiation rather than litigation. Common strategies include trading alimony for a larger share of marital assets, agreeing to a lump sum, or setting step-down payments that decrease over time.
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This worksheet uses simplified support heuristics to compare monthly income differences under several common alimony-style formulas. Depending on the selected formula type, it applies a fixed base factor, an optional state modifier, and a child adjustment, then uses the selected alimony type to project a rough duration.
The result is intentionally framed as a planning worksheet. It does not decide whether support is legally available, which formula a court would use, whether any duration cap applies, or how a judge would weigh local statutory factors. Those questions remain jurisdiction-specific.
Alimony supports the lower-earning spouse while child support specifically covers children's needs. They are calculated separately and can be awarded simultaneously. Alimony ends upon remarriage or death; child support continues until children reach majority.
Duration depends on marriage length, the selected worksheet type, and state law. This calculator uses a simplified duration estimate so you can compare scenarios; it does not predict a court order.
Yes. Either party can request modification due to substantial changes in income, employment, health, or living circumstances. The requesting party must demonstrate a material change not anticipated at the time of the original order.
For divorce or separation instruments executed after December 31, 2018, alimony is generally not deductible by the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal tax law, unless a later modification says otherwise.
Courts typically consider income disparity, marriage duration, each spouse's earning capacity, age and health, standard of living during marriage, contributions (including homemaking), and the ability of the paying spouse to support themselves while paying. Use this calculator to model scenarios, not to predict an outcome.
Yes. Spouses can negotiate alimony through mediation or collaborative divorce and submit the agreement to the court for approval. The calculator is a worksheet for those negotiations, not a substitute for the agreement or the court review.