Alimony Estimator
Example: Paying spouse monthly income: 8000 $ · Receiving spouse monthly income: 3000 $ · Share of payer income: 33 % · Share of payee income: 25 % · Support duration: 5 years
| Estimated monthly alimony | $1,890 |
| Annual alimony | $22,680 |
| Total over the term | $113,400 |
Worked example
Take a paying spouse earning $8,000 a month and a receiving spouse earning $3,000. Under a 33%-minus-25% income-share rule, support is 33% of $8,000 ($2,640) minus 25% of $3,000 ($750), or about $1,890 a month. That is roughly $22,680 a year, and over a five-year term about $113,400. Because states differ, treat this as a planning range, not a court order — an actual judge weighs the length of the marriage, standard of living, and earning capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a nationwide alimony formula?
No. Some states publish guideline formulas for temporary support; many leave permanent alimony to judicial discretion based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's needs and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage. This tool uses a common income-share style as an estimate only.
How long does alimony last?
Duration varies widely. Short marriages may bring little or no long-term support, while long marriages can bring support for many years or until remarriage. Some states tie the term roughly to a fraction of the marriage's length. Set the duration here to match your situation or your attorney's guidance.
Is alimony taxable?
For divorce agreements finalized after 2018 under current federal law, alimony is generally not deductible by the payer nor taxable to the recipient. Older agreements may follow the prior rules. Confirm the tax treatment for your specific agreement date with a professional.
Can alimony be modified later?
Often yes. A significant change in circumstances — job loss, a large income change, remarriage, or retirement — can be grounds to ask a court to modify or end support, unless the agreement made it non-modifiable.