Alimony Estimator

Types of Alimony

• Rehabilitative: Most common. Provides support while the lower-earning spouse retains job skills, completes education, or re-enters the workforce. Duration: 1-5 years typically.
• Permanent: Long marriages where one spouse can't become self-supporting due to age, disability, or having been out of the workforce for 15+ years.
• Reimbursement: Compensates a spouse who supported the other's education or career advancement (e.g., putting them through medical school).
• Bridge-the-Gap: Short-term (usually ≤2 years) to help transition from married to single life.

Common Formula Approaches

Some states use guideline formulas as starting points:

• Simple approach: 30% of higher earner's gross minus 20% of lower earner's gross
• Duration rule: Duration = 1 year of alimony per 3 years of marriage (varies)
• Need-based: Close the gap to 40% of combined marital income

Factors Courts Consider

• Standard of living during marriage
• Age and physical/emotional condition of each spouse
• Duration of marriage
• Contributions as homemaker/parent
• Each spouse's earning capacity and education
• Marital misconduct (in fault states)

Disclaimer: Alimony is highly discretionary. Courts apply multi-factor tests with wide latitude. This calculator provides rough estimates only. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state.