Rhode Island Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is Alimony in Rhode Island?

Alimony is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay the other after separation or divorce. Unlike child support (which follows clear state guidelines), Rhode Island alimony is discretionary. Judges have broad authority to decide whether it’s necessary, how much should be paid, and for how long.

Some of the key factors courts consider include:

• Length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income and earning ability
• Recipient’s financial need vs. payor’s ability to pay
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Health, age, and employability of both spouses
• Any marital misconduct (fault-based considerations)

How the Rhode Island Alimony Calculator Works

The Rhode Island Maintenance Calculator you see above was designed to mirror how courts generally think about alimony, using multipliers and formulas for consistency.

Here’s a breakdown of how it calculates estimates:

1. Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – The higher-earning spouse’s income is used to determine ability to contribute.
2. Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – Shows how much the lower-earning spouse already earns.
3. Recipient’s Needs – Monthly expenses the recipient requires to maintain stability.
4. Marriage Duration – The longer the marriage, the greater the chance of longer-term support.
5. Marital Fault – If one spouse is at fault (such as infidelity or financial misconduct), it can influence the award.

The calculator then compares the recipient’s shortfall (needs minus income) with the payor’s ability to pay (income × 35%). The smaller of those two values becomes the baseline.

From there, the tool:

• Adjusts the payment within a range of ±20% (to reflect the fact that courts rarely award an exact figure).
• Suggests a duration of support using a multiplier tied to marriage length.
• Adds a factor analysis explaining how marital fault or lack thereof might affect outcomes.

Example Scenario

• Payor’s Monthly Income: $7,500
• Recipient’s Income: $1,800
• Recipient’s Needs: $3,500
• Marriage Duration: 18 years
• Fault: None

Estimated Result:

• Payment range: Around $1,700 – $2,100 per month
• Duration: Roughly 7 years of rehabilitative support
• Analysis: Court would likely focus on economic need since no fault is alleged.

Why Use the Rhode Island Alimony Calculator?

Clarity: Quickly shows possible payment ranges.
Preparation: Helps spouses know what to expect before court or mediation.
Negotiation Tool: Can support fairer settlement discussions.
Educational: Highlights the role of duration, fault, and income balance.

But remember: this is only an estimate. Rhode Island judges are not bound by formulas. They weigh all statutory factors, and outcomes can differ dramatically.

Key Limitations to Keep in Mind

• The calculator doesn’t account for unique factors like health issues, hidden assets, or career sacrifices.
• Alimony can be rehabilitative (temporary support to help someone get back on their feet) or indefinite (rare, but possible in long marriages).
• Rhode Island courts ultimately use discretion, not rigid math.