Arkansas Alimony Calculator
Alimony Analysis
Estimated Monthly Payment Range
Likely Alimony Type & Duration
Key Judicial Factors
This calculator provides a general estimate for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Arkansas law does not use a fixed formula. The primary considerations are the recipient’s need and the payor’s ability to pay. A court has broad discretion to weigh all factors. Consult with a qualified Arkansas attorney.
Why Use an Arkansas Alimony Calculator?
Unlike child support, alimony in Arkansas doesn’t follow a strict chart or percentage system. Instead, judges have broad discretion, which makes outcomes harder to predict.
The calculator:
- Estimates a monthly alimony payment range based on income differences.
- Suggests the likely type and duration of alimony (rehabilitative, long-term, or unlikely).
- Provides judicial factors and advisory notes that could impact the case.
It’s not a substitute for legal advice, but it’s a smart way to prepare for conversations with your attorney or spouse.
How the Arkansas Alimony Calculator Works
The calculator considers both financial and personal factors. You enter:
- Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – The spouse expected to pay alimony.
- Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – The spouse requesting support.
- Length of Marriage (Years) – Long marriages generally support longer alimony awards.
- Recipient’s Age – Older recipients may have a harder time reentering the workforce.
- Recipient’s Health – Health issues can limit employability and extend the need for support.
- Recipient’s Employability – Whether the spouse is readily employable, needs retraining, or cannot support themselves.
The Calculation Logic
- Income Difference:
The calculator looks at the difference between the payor’s and recipient’s income. If the payor earns less or equal, alimony is unlikely.- Typical range = 15% to 30% of the income gap.
- Duration & Type:
The tool uses age, health, and employability to predict duration:- Short-term / Rehabilitative alimony → Common when the recipient needs time for training or education.
- Long-term or permanent alimony → More likely after long marriages, with poor health or limited employability.
- Unlikely → For short marriages or when incomes are nearly equal.
- Judicial Factors:
The calculator also displays “advisory notes” highlighting issues that courts often prioritize, such as marriage length, employability, and health.
Example Scenario
Let’s say:
- Payor earns $6,500 per month.
- Recipient earns $1,800 per month.
- Marriage lasted 20 years.
- Recipient is 50 years old, in fair health, and needs retraining to become employable.
The calculator might show:
- Estimated Payment Range: $705 – $1,410 per month.
- Likely Duration: Rehabilitative alimony for several years, possibly longer due to health.
- Judicial Factors: Marriage length supports alimony; need for training justifies rehabilitative support; health may extend duration.
Limitations You Should Know
The calculator is a guideline, not a guarantee. Arkansas courts don’t use a fixed formula, and every case is unique. Judges may consider additional factors, such as:
- Standard of living during the marriage.
- Payor’s ability to pay after covering personal expenses.
- Recipient’s efforts to become self-supporting.
That’s why the calculator includes a disclaimer: Always consult with an Arkansas family law attorney for advice tailored to your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas does not have a rigid alimony formula.
- The calculator estimates payments between 15–30% of the income difference.
- Marriage length, age, health, and employability strongly influence duration.
- It’s a planning tool, not a substitute for legal guidance.
