Neal Caffrey

Mississippi

Mississippi Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

Mississippi Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

Estimated Alimony

Monthly Payment $0
Payment Duration 0 – 0 years
Payment Type Periodic Alimony
This calculator provides estimates based on Mississippi’s alimony guidelines (Miss. Code Ann. § 93-5-23). Mississippi alimony is highly discretionary and based on multiple statutory factors including financial resources, earning capacity, age, health, standard of living, and fault. Actual amounts may vary significantly based on court decisions and individual circumstances. Mississippi courts consider both need and ability to pay. Consult with a Mississippi family law attorney for legal advice.

How the Mississippi Alimony Calculator Works

The calculator is designed to give you a range of possible monthly payments and an analysis of the likely alimony type. It uses straightforward inputs:

  • Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – How much the higher-earning spouse brings in.
  • Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – How much the lower-earning spouse earns.
  • Payor’s Monthly Expenses – Essential living costs for the paying spouse.
  • Recipient’s Monthly Needs – Monthly expenses the lower-earning spouse must cover.
  • Length of Marriage (Years) – Short-term, mid-term, or long-term marriage duration.
  • Fault in Marriage – Whether fault (such as adultery) applies to either spouse.

Once you enter this data, the calculator applies logic similar to what a court might use:

  • It looks at the recipient’s financial need after subtracting their income from their stated needs.
  • It calculates the payor’s ability to pay after accounting for their expenses.
  • It compares the two and produces a suggested payment range.

Example Outputs You Might See

  • Estimated Monthly Payment Range: The tool may show something like $750 – $1,000. This reflects both a conservative and maximum possible estimate.
  • Alimony Type Analysis: Based on the marriage length, the tool suggests whether the court is more likely to award:
    • Permanent alimony – Typically for marriages over 20 years.
    • Rehabilitative alimony – Often for mid-length marriages, giving the recipient time to become financially independent.
    • Lump-sum or short-term alimony – More common in shorter marriages.

It also adjusts results if fault plays a role. For example, if the recipient is at fault, the calculator may show $0.00 because Mississippi courts often deny alimony in such cases.

Why Alimony in Mississippi Is Complex

Unlike child support, Mississippi has no fixed formula. Judges consider multiple factors, including:

  • Standard of living during the marriage.
  • Earning capacity of both spouses.
  • Age and health of the parties.
  • Contribution to the marriage (including homemaking).
  • Fault grounds such as adultery or desertion.

This is why the calculator’s results are estimates, not guarantees. A judge may deviate significantly based on case-specific facts.

Benefits of Using the Calculator

  • Quick financial snapshot: Understand if alimony is even likely.
  • Set expectations: Get a ballpark idea before entering negotiations.
  • Plan ahead: Both payor and recipient can adjust budgets early.
  • Legal prep: Bring informed estimates to your attorney consultation.

Important Disclaimer

The Mississippi Alimony Calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not give legal advice. Mississippi alimony is discretionary, and final decisions rest with the court. If you’re facing divorce, consult a qualified Mississippi family law attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances.