Maryland Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

How the Maryland Alimony Calculator Works

The calculator is designed to balance two core questions:

1. Does the recipient need support?
2. Can the payor reasonably afford to pay?

Here’s how the tool processes the numbers:

• Payor’s Gross Monthly Income: The total monthly income before taxes or deductions.
• Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income: The other spouse’s earnings.
• Payor’s Monthly Expenses: The payor’s actual living costs (rent, utilities, food, etc.).
• Recipient’s Monthly Needs: How much the recipient requires to cover essential living expenses.
• Length of Marriage: A key factor in determining whether alimony is temporary or potentially indefinite.
• Circumstances of Estrangement: Whether marital fault (like adultery or misconduct) plays a role.

The calculator compares recipient needs with payor’s ability to pay. If either side doesn’t meet the threshold (for example, if the recipient earns enough already or if the payor has no financial capacity), alimony is unlikely.

Estimated Payment Ranges

When there is a valid need and ability to pay, the tool provides a range of possible monthly payments rather than one fixed number.

• Low End (70% of maximum ability): A conservative estimate that allows the payor more breathing room.
• High End (100% of maximum ability): A higher estimate reflecting the recipient’s needs.

Example:

• Payor earns $8,000/month with $4,500 in expenses.
• Recipient earns $2,000/month but needs $3,500 to cover living costs.
• The calculator may show a payment range between $700 and $1,000 per month, depending on the court’s judgment.

Alimony Duration: What the Calculator Suggests

The tool doesn’t just show numbers—it also provides insights on the type and duration of alimony likely in Maryland.

• Short Marriage (under 10 years): Courts usually grant rehabilitative alimony, meant to support the recipient for a limited time until they can get back on their feet.
• Medium Marriage (10–20 years): Courts may still lean toward rehabilitative alimony but for a longer duration, often tied to the recipient’s ability to re-establish financial stability.
• Long Marriage (20+ years): Courts may consider indefinite alimony, especially if the recipient cannot become self-supporting due to age, illness, or a significant difference in lifestyle between the spouses.

Impact of Fault

Maryland law allows courts to consider misconduct during the marriage. The calculator factors this in:

• Recipient’s fault (e.g., adultery): Could reduce or even prevent an alimony award.
• Payor’s fault: May push the court toward granting a higher or longer award.

Key Takeaways

• Maryland doesn’t use a fixed formula for alimony. Every case is unique.
• This calculator is a helpful starting point, not a final answer.
• It highlights realistic payment ranges and possible duration types.
• Always consult a Maryland family law attorney before making legal or financial decisions.