Free · Instant · 2026
Alimony Calculator 2026
Estimate monthly spousal support based on marriage length, income gap, and state guidelines. Covers rehabilitative and permanent alimony.
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Alimony / Spousal Support Calculator
Based on US family court formulas · 2026
$
Gross monthly, before taxes$
Enter 0 if homemakerEstimated Monthly Alimony
$0
Per month · Based on state guidelines
Likely Range
$0 – $0 / month
— yrs
Duration
$0
Total Obligation
$0
Income Gap
⚖️ Alimony has no single federal formula. Results vary significantly by state and judge. Consult a family law attorney.
How Alimony Is Calculated in the US (2026)
Unlike child support, alimony has no single national formula. Judges have broad discretion. Most attorneys use informal rules of thumb as starting points. The most common: 30–40% of the income difference between spouses.
State-Specific Formulas
| State | Formula | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| California | 40% of higher income minus 50% of lower | None |
| New York | 20% of payer minus 25% of recipient income | ~$203k income cap |
| Texas | Max $5,000/month or 20% of gross income | $5,000/month |
| Florida | Need + ability to pay; marriage length categories | None set |
| Most States | Judicial discretion on 10–15 factors | Varies |
How Long Does Alimony Last?
| Marriage Length | Typical Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 1–2 years | Rehabilitative |
| 5–10 years | 2–5 years | Rehabilitative |
| 10–20 years | 3–10 years (often half) | Durational |
| 20+ years | Indefinite | Permanent |
Key Factors Courts Consider
- Length of the marriage
- Income and earning capacity of each spouse
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Age and health of both parties
- Contributions (including homemaking)
- Childcare responsibilities limiting work
- Marital misconduct (in fault-based states)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alimony tax deductible in 2026?
No. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017), for divorce agreements signed after Dec 31, 2018: alimony is not deductible by the payer and not taxable income for the recipient.
Does alimony stop if the recipient remarries?
Yes, in nearly all states. Alimony terminates automatically upon remarriage. Many states also allow termination if the recipient cohabits with a romantic partner in a marriage-like arrangement.
Can alimony be waived in a prenuptial agreement?
Yes. A valid prenuptial agreement can waive or limit alimony. However, some states may refuse enforcement if it would leave one spouse in poverty or if signed under duress.
What is the difference between alimony and spousal support?
They are the same thing. “Alimony” is used in many states; “spousal support” in California; “maintenance” in Illinois and New York. The legal concept is identical.