Alimony Calculator

How the Alimony Calculator Works

The calculator uses the most widely-cited national alimony formula, sometimes called the AAML formula (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers): 30% of the payor's gross income minus 20% of the recipient's gross income, capped so the total doesn't push the recipient above 40% of combined income. Duration is estimated based on marriage length using a graduated scale: shorter marriages get shorter alimony as a percentage, longer marriages get longer durations. This is a simplified national approximation — your actual state may use a completely different formula or leave it entirely up to judicial discretion.

State-by-State Variation Is Massive

Alimony is one of the least standardized areas of US family law. Texas has very limited alimony, capped at $5,000/month and 10 years maximum, and only available after 10+ year marriages. Massachusetts uses a strict formula with set durations. Florida has guidelines but heavy judicial discretion. California uses a complex formula plus 10+ statutory factors. New York has formulas but allows huge deviations. Some states (Mississippi, North Carolina) have no formula at all and leave everything to judges. This calculator is a starting point — for actual planning, consult a family law attorney in your state.

Types of Alimony

Most states recognize several types: temporary (during the divorce proceedings), rehabilitative (helps the recipient become self-supporting through education or training, usually 2–5 years), permanent (until death or remarriage of recipient, mostly for long marriages or older spouses), reimbursement (compensates for sacrifices made during the marriage, like supporting a spouse through medical school), and lump sum (a one-time payment instead of monthly). The calculator estimates monthly amounts under the most common type — durational or rehabilitative — but doesn't distinguish between forms.

Factors Courts Consider Beyond the Formula

Even in formula states, judges weigh many factors: standard of living during the marriage, age and health of both spouses, ability to earn, contributions to the marriage (including stay-at-home parenting), tax consequences, child custody arrangements, and any prenuptial agreements. A spouse who gave up a career to raise children may receive longer alimony than the formula suggests. A spouse who has significant separate property may receive less. None of this shows up in a simple calculator — but it's the human element that often dominates real cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alimony guaranteed in a divorce?

No — alimony is awarded only if there's significant income disparity and the marriage was long enough.

What if both spouses earn the same?

Then alimony is usually $0. Some states require minimum income gaps to even consider alimony.

Can alimony be waived in a prenup?

Yes, in most states. Properly drafted prenups can waive alimony entirely.

Does cohabitation end alimony?

In many states, yes — the recipient living with a new partner can reduce or end payments.

Should I hire an attorney for an alimony dispute?

Yes — alimony has long-term financial implications. Don't negotiate it alone.