Connecticut Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is Alimony in Connecticut?

Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse (the payor) to the other (the recipient) after separation or divorce. In Connecticut, the goal of alimony is not to punish or reward—it’s to balance fairness and allow the recipient to maintain a reasonable standard of living while working toward independence.

Unlike some states, Connecticut law (C.G.S. § 46b-82) doesn’t use a strict mathematical formula. Judges have wide discretion and consider many factors, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Income and earning potential of each spouse
• Age and health of the spouses
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Contributions made to the household, both financial and non-financial

How the Connecticut Alimony Calculator Works

The Connecticut Alimony Calculator uses the most common judicial factors to create a general estimate of alimony payments.

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Enter Financial Information
   • Payor’s gross monthly income
   • Recipient’s gross monthly income
2. Add Marriage Details
   • Length of marriage (in years)
   • Recipient’s age
   • Recipient’s health status
   • Recipient’s employability (ability to work or need for training)
3. Get Results
   • Estimated Payment Range: A possible low-to-high monthly alimony figure (based on the income difference).
   • Likely Duration: Whether support might be temporary, long-term, or open-ended.
   • Judicial Factors: Notes on what courts usually emphasize in similar cases.

Example of How It Calculates

Suppose:

• Payor earns $9,000/month
• Recipient earns $2,500/month
• Marriage lasted 18 years
• Recipient is 48 years old, in fair health, and needs training to re-enter the workforce

The calculator might suggest:

• Estimated Monthly Payment: $1,300 – $2,275
• Duration: Time-limited alimony for 5–10 years (rehabilitative support)
• Key Factors: Marriage length supports alimony; recipient’s health and employability weigh heavily in favor of support.

Why Use This Calculator?

Clarity: Divorce can be overwhelming. A quick calculation gives you a sense of what to expect.
Preparation: Whether you’re the payor or recipient, knowing possible payment ranges helps with financial planning.
Discussion Starter: Use it to prepare questions for your attorney or mediation sessions.

Important Disclaimer

The calculator is an informational tool only. It does not replace legal advice. Connecticut courts do not follow a fixed formula, so your actual outcome may differ depending on your case and your judge. Always consult with a qualified Connecticut family law attorney before making decisions based on calculator results.