Alimony Calculator
Estimate monthly spousal support payments and duration based on your state's guidelines.
Marriage & Income Details
Estimated Monthly Alimony
$1,750/mo
$21,000/yr
Duration
72 months
Type
rehabilitative
Calculation
Tax Note
Since 2019 (TCJA), alimony is NOT tax-deductible for the payer and NOT taxable income for the payee for divorces finalized after December 31, 2018.
State Guidelines
- •In California, courts consider: length of marriage, income disparity, standard of living, age, health, and earning capacity.
- •These are estimates. Actual amounts are determined by the court based on all circumstances.
How Alimony Is Determined
Alimony (spousal support/maintenance) varies significantly by state. Some states like California and New York have specific formulas, while others give judges broad discretion. Key factors include marriage duration, income disparity, each spouse's earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage (including homemaking).
Types of Alimony
| Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary | During divorce proceedings | Maintain status quo |
| Rehabilitative | Set period (2-5 years typical) | Education/training to become self-supporting |
| Durational | Set period (often % of marriage length) | Support during transition |
| Permanent | Until death or remarriage | Long marriages, inability to become self-supporting |
| Lump Sum | One-time payment | Clean break |
Tax Treatment (Post-2019)
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer deductible by the payer and no longer taxable income for the recipient. This was a major change from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For pre-2019 divorces, the old rules still apply unless the agreement is modified to adopt the new rules.
IRS — Alimony, Child Support, and Property Division→Frequently Asked Questions
How long does alimony last?
A common guideline: alimony lasts 30-50% of the marriage length for marriages under 20 years. Marriages of 20+ years may result in permanent alimony in some states. Most alimony terminates upon the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation with a new partner.
Can alimony be modified?
In most states, yes — if there's a substantial change in circumstances like job loss, retirement, or significant income change. However, "non-modifiable" alimony agreed in a settlement cannot be changed. Lump-sum alimony is also non-modifiable.
See also: Child Support Calculator and Budget Planner.