Alimony Estimator

How Alimony is Calculated

Unlike child support, which follows strict state formulas, alimony is largely up to a judge's discretion. Courts weigh the length of the marriage, both spouses' income and earning capacity, contributions to the household (including homemaking), standard of living during the marriage, age, health, and in some states, fault. Our estimator uses the income differential approach as a general starting point.

Types of Alimony

Temporary alimony is paid during the divorce process. Rehabilitative alimony supports a lower-earning spouse while they gain education or job skills. Permanent alimony, increasingly rare, continues indefinitely and is typically reserved for long marriages where one spouse cannot become self-supporting. Reimbursement alimony compensates a spouse who funded the other's degree or career advancement.

Alimony by State

States vary significantly. Florida recently eliminated permanent alimony and capped duration at 75% of the marriage length. California has no set formula but courts routinely order support for half the length of the marriage for shorter marriages. Texas judges have broad discretion. New York considers 20 specific statutory factors. Whatever your state, the numbers above are a starting estimate, not a guarantee.