What is alimony and how is it calculated?

Alimony, also called spousal support or spousal maintenance depending on the jurisdiction, is a payment from one spouse to the other following a divorce. Its primary purpose is generally to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living and to address economic inequalities created by the marriage.

How alimony is calculated varies significantly by state. Some states use specific formulas, while others rely on judicial discretion based on a set of statutory factors. Common factors that courts consider include the length of the marriage, the income and earning capacity of each spouse, the age and health of each spouse, the standard of living established during the marriage, and the contributions each spouse made (including homemaking and child-rearing).

There are several types of alimony that courts may award. Temporary alimony is paid during the divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse for a limited time while they gain education or job skills. Permanent alimony, which is becoming less common, may be awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse is unlikely to become self-supporting. Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment rather than ongoing monthly support.

In many jurisdictions, alimony can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or the recipient spouse remarrying.

DIVORSAY's ClearSplit calculator includes spousal support estimates based on your state's guidelines, helping you understand what to expect before you speak with an attorney.