Alimony Calculator Massachusetts

Massachusetts Alimony Calculator

Estimate Alimony (Spousal Support) in Massachusetts

Use this page to understand how a court might approach an alimony award in Massachusetts. Our calculator gives an educational estimate of alimony payments—it is not legal advice. Actual results depend on every factor that the court considers, including the parties’ finances and the standard of living during the marriage.

How the Estimate Works

The estimate looks at both spouses’ finances and key case details. Typical inputs include:

• Gross income (annual) and net income (after taxes)
• Each party’s monthly income and expected total income
• The length of the marriage (in years)
• Parenting responsibilities, health, and work history

Many online tools also include guardrails so suggested payments do not exceed 40 percent of a payer’s income or a combined percentage of the parties’ income. These caps are calculator conventions, not hard rules, and a judge may depart from them.

Duration of Alimony

In Massachusetts, the duration of alimony is often based on the length of the marriage. As a general guide:

• Shorter marriages may lead to shorter orders.
• Longer marriages can support longer terms; for example, a marriage of 20 years may allow the court wider discretion on duration.

Depending on your situation, the court may consider rehabilitative alimony when a spouse needs time and resources—such as education training or job skills—to become self-supporting.

Who Pays and Who Receives?

The estimate will show whether one spouse may need to pay alimony and whether the other is potentially receiving alimony. Results vary with differences in gross income, net income, and customary standard of living.

What Judges Consider

Every case is unique. Common considerations include:

• Each spouse’s monthly income, assets, and debts
• Age, health, employability, and need for education training
• Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and childcare)
• The marital standard of living and ability to maintain it
• The length of the marriage and any prior agreements

Spousal Support vs. Spousal Maintenance

In Massachusetts, “alimony” is the term most often used, but you may also see spousal support or spousal maintenance in articles and calculators. All three refer to court-ordered support between former spouses.

Important Notes About Calculators

• Calculator outputs are estimates only and may include caps so the suggestion does not exceed 40 percent of certain income measures.
• Duration is frequently based on the length of the marriage, with special considerations around 20 years or more.
• Your final alimony award depends on the judge’s findings after reviewing the evidence and the full financial picture, including total income, gross income, and net income.

Next Steps

Have questions about your estimate or whether you might pay alimony or be receiving alimony? Speak with an experienced Massachusetts family law attorney. We’ll review your monthly income, assets, and the length of the marriage to help you understand potential alimony payments and strategies.

Talk to a Lawyer

For personalized guidance about spousal support, spousal maintenance, and Massachusetts alimony, call us at 978-851-2291 or contact us online. You can also learn more on our Alimony page.

Disclaimer: This content and any calculator outputs are for educational purposes only and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Final outcomes depend on judicial findings and the evidence presented.