Spousal Support Calculator

Spousal support calculations vary significantly by state. Some states like California, Colorado, and Illinois use specific formulas, while others give judges broad discretion. Common factors include: length of marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, standard of living during marriage, age and health of both parties, and contributions to the marriage.

Spousal support and alimony are the same thing - they're interchangeable terms for payments from one spouse to another after divorce. 'Spousal support' and 'spousal maintenance' are more modern terms used in many states, while 'alimony' is the traditional term. They all refer to the same concept.

Spousal support duration depends on the length of the marriage and state laws. Short marriages (under 5 years) typically result in short-term or rehabilitative support. Longer marriages may qualify for longer-term or even permanent support. Many states have moved away from permanent support except in cases of long marriages or disability.

Yes, in most states spousal support can be modified if there's a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, remarriage of the recipient, or significant income changes. However, some support agreements are non-modifiable if specified in the divorce decree.

For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, spousal support is no longer tax-deductible for the payer and is not considered taxable income for the recipient under federal tax law. Divorces finalized before this date may still follow the old rules.

Key factors include: both spouses' income and earning potential, length of the marriage, age and health of both parties, standard of living during marriage, each spouse's financial needs, custody arrangements, one spouse's contribution to the other's education/career, and in some states, marital misconduct.