Know What Spousal
Support to Expect
Before Court
Free alimony calculator for all 50 US states. Uses real state law formulas including the AAML guideline. Get low, average & high estimates plus a duration forecast — in under 3 minutes.
Not legal advice · No data stored · Always free
Quick Estimate
Low / Avg / High in seconds
Three Estimates, Not Just One
We show low, average, and high — because courts have discretion. Here's how each is calculated.
How Our Calculator Produces Three Estimates
Most calculators give you one number. Judges don't work that way — outcomes vary based on which formula a court applies, local practices, and the judge's discretion. We show three ranges:
The AAML formula (American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) is a widely-used benchmark: alimony = 30% of payor's gross income − 20% of payee's gross income, provided the recipient's total income does not exceed 40% of combined gross income. Duration = 40–50% of marriage length.
Why AlimonyCal?
Built with real family law principles — not generic estimates.
State-Specific Formulas
Every US state has different rules. We implement California's 40% rule, New York's statutory formula, Illinois's net income formula, Massachusetts's duration caps, and all 50 states.
100% Private
All calculations run locally in your browser. Your financial information is never transmitted to our servers — it literally never leaves your device.
Low / Avg / High Range
See three distinct estimates — conservative floor, AAML average, and state-specific high — so you understand the realistic range a judge might award.
Scenario Comparison
Run "what if" scenarios instantly — longer marriage, different income gap, or a prenuptial agreement. Compare outcomes side by side.
Duration Forecasting
Not just how much but how long. Our duration model uses your state's specific guidelines and marriage length to forecast the likely payment period.
Plain English Results
Every result includes a plain-language explanation and state-specific note so you can have a more informed conversation with your attorney.
How It Works
Three steps to get your state-specific estimate.
Enter Details
Income for both spouses, state, marriage length, children, and circumstances. About 2–3 minutes.
Apply State Law
Your state's specific formula is applied — whether the AAML guideline, CA 40% rule, IL net-income formula, or factor-weighted model.
Get 3 Estimates
See low, average, and high monthly estimates, a duration forecast, factor breakdown, and scenario comparisons.
Alimony Rules: Key States at a Glance
Quick reference — click any state in "By State" for full detail.
| State | Formula | Typical Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 40% payor net − 50% payee net | 50% of marriage; indefinite for 10+ yr | Permanent possible |
| New York | 30% payor net − 20% payee net | 15–30% of marriage length | Limited |
| Illinois | 33.3% payor net − 25% payee net | Statutory caps by length | Limited |
| Texas | Lesser of $5,000/mo or 20% gross | 5 years max (most cases) | Restricted |
| Florida | Needs & ability to pay | Tied to marriage; permanent possible | Permanent possible |
| Massachusetts | 30–35% of income difference | 50–80% of marriage; indefinite 20+ yr | Limited/Indefinite |
| New Jersey | 17 statutory factors | Open duration for 20+ yr marriages | Permanent possible |
| Ohio | 14 factors, judicial discretion | 20–40% of marriage | Varies |
For informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with a licensed attorney in your state.
What Is Alimony? A Complete 2026 Guide
Alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is a court-ordered financial payment from one spouse to another following divorce or separation. Its purpose is to reduce the unfair economic effects of divorce, particularly when one spouse has significantly lower income, gave up career opportunities, or cannot immediately support themselves.
US law is gender-neutral: either spouse may receive alimony. Courts focus on financial need and ability to pay — not gender.
The AAML Alimony Formula
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) formula is one of the most widely-cited guidelines used by attorneys and courts across the US:
Alimony = (30% × Payor Gross Monthly Income) − (20% × Recipient Gross Monthly Income)
Subject to: Recipient total income ≤ 40% of combined gross income
This is not a binding rule in most states, but it represents the range many courts aim for when no statutory formula exists. Duration under AAML guidelines is typically 40–50% of the marriage length.
Types of Alimony in the US
- Temporary (Pendente Lite): Paid during divorce proceedings to maintain the status quo.
- Rehabilitative: Time-limited support allowing the lower-earning spouse to gain education or training. Most common in modern awards.
- Durational / Limited: Fixed-term support for shorter marriages or to ease economic transition.
- Permanent / Indefinite: Long-term support for marriages of 20+ years where self-sufficiency is not achievable.
- Reimbursement: Compensates one spouse for supporting the other through education or career advancement during marriage.
8 Factors Courts Use
- Income disparity — the difference between both spouses' gross or net monthly incomes
- Length of the marriage — longer marriages = larger and longer awards
- Standard of living — courts aim for both spouses to maintain a comparable lifestyle
- Earning capacity — potential income if fully employed
- Age and health — older spouses or those with health conditions may receive more
- Career sacrifices — if one spouse reduced hours or left work for family
- Marital fault — in some states (VA, GA, NC), adultery can bar or reduce alimony
- Contributions — including non-financial contributions such as homemaking
⚖️ 2026 Tax Update: For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is NOT tax-deductible for the payor and NOT taxable income for the recipient (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). This significantly changed divorce settlement economics — consult a financial advisor about lump-sum vs. periodic payment tradeoffs.
How to Use Your Alimony Estimate in Negotiations
A realistic estimate range before negotiations gives you a significant advantage. Here is how to use your AlimonyCal estimates effectively.
If You May Be the Recipient
- Use the average (AAML) estimate as your baseline. Push toward the high estimate if you have career sacrifices or health issues.
- Document reduced income, career gaps, and education differences that support a higher award
- Consider lump-sum alimony if long-term periodic payments feel uncertain
- Remarriage typically terminates periodic alimony — negotiate accordingly
If You May Be the Payor
- Gather documentation of all legitimate financial liabilities (mortgage, debt, dependent care)
- The low estimate represents a realistic floor for your state and circumstances
- Duration is often negotiable — a higher lump-sum may be preferable to years of monthly payments
- Understand modification rights: significant income decreases allow you to petition for reduction
Should I Hire an Attorney?
For most cases involving meaningful amounts, yes. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations. Mediation is often significantly cheaper than litigation and produces better outcomes for both parties when both can negotiate in good faith.
Get Your Free Estimate Now
Takes under 3 minutes. No account. 100% private.