Ohio Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What is the Ohio Alimony Calculator?

The Ohio Maintenance Calculator is a free online tool that provides an estimate of possible spousal support payments.

You enter a few numbers:

• Payor’s gross monthly income (the spouse who may pay support)
• Recipient’s gross monthly income (the spouse who may receive support)
• Recipient’s monthly needs
• Length of marriage in years

The calculator then runs a formula to suggest:

1. A payment range (low to high estimate of possible support)
2. An advisory duration (how long payments might last)

It’s quick, easy, and gives you a rough sense of what the court might order.

How the Calculator Works

The tool isn’t magic—it follows a structured formula:

1. Recipient Shortfall: The calculator compares the recipient’s needs to their income. If they earn $2,500 but need $4,000, their shortfall is $1,500.
2. Payor’s Ability to Pay: The paying spouse’s income is multiplied by 0.4 (40%), which represents a typical ability-to-pay benchmark.
3. Estimated Payment: The calculator takes the smaller number between the recipient’s shortfall and the payor’s ability. That becomes the base payment.
4. Range of Payments: A ±15% margin is applied, showing a low-to-high range instead of a single number.
5. Duration Analysis:
   • If the marriage lasted 20 years or more, courts may allow indefinite support (sometimes until retirement).
   • If under 20 years, the duration is typically marriage length ÷ 5 to marriage length ÷ 3. For example, a 15-year marriage could result in 3 to 5 years of support.

Example Calculation

Let’s say:

• Payor’s gross income = $9,000/month
• Recipient’s income = $2,500/month
• Recipient’s needs = $4,000/month
• Marriage = 18 years

Step 1: Recipient shortfall = $4,000 – $2,500 = $1,500
Step 2: Payor ability = $9,000 × 0.4 = $3,600
Step 3: Estimated payment = smaller of $1,500 and $3,600 → $1,500
Step 4: Range = $1,275 – $1,725 (±15%)
Step 5: Duration = 18 ÷ 5 to 18 ÷ 3 → 3.6 to 6 years

So, the result is:

• Estimated monthly support: $1,275 to $1,725
• Duration guideline: 3.6 to 6 years

What Courts Actually Consider

The calculator gives an estimate, but Ohio law doesn’t rely on one formula. Judges have wide discretion and may consider factors such as:

• Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Length of marriage
• Health, age, and ability to work
• Child custody arrangements
• Contributions made by each spouse (financial and non-financial)

This means your actual court order could be higher, lower, or even last longer than the calculator suggests.

Why You Should Use the Calculator

Clarity – It helps you understand possible outcomes early.
Preparation – It gives you a ballpark idea before speaking with an attorney.
Negotiation Tool – Couples can use it during settlement talks.

But remember:
The calculator is not legal advice.
Only a qualified Ohio family law attorney can give guidance specific to your situation.