Pennsylvania Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is Alimony in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, alimony (also called spousal support or alimony pendente lite during divorce proceedings) is financial support one spouse may pay to the other after separation or divorce. The purpose is to balance incomes so neither spouse is left at a severe financial disadvantage.

Courts look at many factors before making a final decision. These include:

• Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
• Length of the marriage
• Health, age, and financial needs of both spouses
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Child support obligations

Since every case is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. That’s why a calculator is so helpful—it uses guideline estimates to provide a starting point.

How the Pennsylvania Alimony Calculator Works

The calculator uses a simple formula based on net monthly incomes, marriage duration, and child support status.

You enter:

1. Payor’s Net Monthly Income – the income of the spouse likely to pay support.
2. Recipient’s Net Monthly Income – the income of the spouse receiving support.
3. Length of Marriage (Years) – the total years you were married.
4. Child Support Status – whether the payor also pays child support.

Step-by-Step Process

• The calculator applies a percentage multiplier to both incomes.
  • If no child support is paid:
    • 33% of the payor’s income
    • 40% of the recipient’s income
  • If the payor also pays child support:
    • 25% of the payor’s income
    • 30% of the recipient’s income
• The formula subtracts the recipient’s portion from the payor’s portion.
• If the result is positive, that number is the guideline monthly payment.
• If it’s negative, the payment defaults to $0.

For duration, the calculator uses a rule of thumb: 1 year of alimony for every 3 years of marriage. For example, a 12-year marriage might suggest about 4 years of support.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through an example:

• Payor’s net income: $6,000/month
• Recipient’s net income: $1,500/month
• Marriage length: 12 years
• No child support

Step 1:

• Payor portion = $6,000 × 0.33 = $1,980
• Recipient portion = $1,500 × 0.40 = $600

Step 2:

• Payment = $1,980 – $600 = $1,380

Step 3:

• Duration = 12 ÷ 3 = ~4 years

So, the estimated guideline alimony would be $1,380/month for about 4 years.

Why Use the Pennsylvania Alimony Calculator?

• Clarity: It gives you a clear number instead of guessing.
• Planning: You can estimate post-divorce finances and prepare budgets.
• Transparency: Both spouses can see how guideline formulas work.
• Confidence: It helps you enter discussions or mediation better informed.

Remember, though, this is only a guideline estimate. Judges have discretion and must weigh 17 statutory factors before issuing a final order.

Important Disclaimer

The Pennsylvania Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator is for informational purposes only. It does not replace legal advice. Final alimony awards depend on case details and judicial discretion. If you are facing divorce in Pennsylvania, it’s wise to consult a qualified family law attorney to understand your full rights and obligations.