North Dakota Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is Alimony in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, alimony is financial support one spouse pays to the other after divorce. The purpose is to balance financial inequalities and, in many cases, give the lower-earning spouse time to become self-sufficient.

Judges consider factors such as:

• Each spouse’s income and earning ability
• Financial needs and obligations
• Length of the marriage
• Age and health of each spouse
• Marital fault (if any)
• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking

Because there is no fixed formula in North Dakota law, outcomes vary widely.

How the North Dakota Alimony Calculator Works

The calculator uses a structured formula to give you an estimated payment range:

1. Inputs you provide
   • Payor’s gross monthly income
   • Recipient’s gross monthly income
   • Recipient’s reasonable monthly needs
   • Length of marriage (in years)
   • Whether marital fault applies
2. Behind-the-scenes calculation
   • It looks at the recipient’s shortfall (needs minus income).
   • It checks the payor’s ability to pay, based on about 35% of their gross monthly income.
   • It compares these numbers and suggests a support range (±15% from the midpoint).
3. Marriage duration analysis
   • Short-term marriages (under 10 years): Courts usually award rehabilitative support, often for a short period.
   • Mid-term marriages (10–19 years): Courts may allow longer support but usually still with an end date.
   • Long-term marriages (20+ years): Courts may consider permanent support if one spouse cannot realistically become self-supporting.
4. Fault consideration
   • If either spouse’s fault contributed to the breakdown of the marriage, it may impact the court’s decision.

The results are displayed as:

• Estimated Monthly Payment Range
• Factor Analysis & Likely Support Type

Example Scenario

Imagine this input:

• Payor’s income: $7,500/month
• Recipient’s income: $1,500/month
• Recipient’s needs: $3,000/month
• Marriage duration: 22 years
• No significant marital fault

The calculator might estimate a payment range of $1,200–$1,600 per month and explain that because of the long marriage, the court could consider permanent support.

Why Use This Calculator?

• Clarity – Gives a starting point when court rules feel unpredictable.
• Preparation – Helps divorcing spouses discuss realistic numbers.
• Education – Explains the difference between short-term and permanent support.
• Accessibility – Simple, quick, and easy to use.

But remember: It’s not legal advice. Courts can award more, less, or no support at all depending on the circumstances.

Limitations of the Calculator

While this tool is practical, keep in mind:

• North Dakota courts are not bound by formulas.
• Judges apply the Ruff-Fischer factors, which include personal and financial details that a calculator cannot capture.
• Factors like age, disability, sacrifices made for the marriage, and lifestyle all carry weight.
• Fault may increase or reduce alimony, depending on circumstances.

This is why consulting a qualified North Dakota family law attorney is essential if you’re facing divorce.