Massachusetts Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What is the Massachusetts Alimony Calculator?

The Massachusetts Alimony Calculator is an online tool designed to estimate General Term Alimony under the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act.

It uses a few key inputs:

• Payor’s gross annual income (the spouse who may pay alimony)
• Recipient’s gross annual income (the spouse who may receive alimony)
• Length of the marriage (in years)
• Recipient’s monthly needs (optional but important)

With this data, the calculator estimates:

1. A monthly payment range (usually 30%–35% of the difference in income).
2. The maximum statutory duration of alimony based on how long the marriage lasted.

How Does the Calculator Work?

Here’s a plain English breakdown of the formula behind the Massachusetts alimony calculator:

1. Income Difference Rule
   • The tool compares the payor’s gross income with the recipient’s gross income.
   • Alimony is typically set between 30% and 35% of the difference.
   • Example: If one spouse earns $100,000 and the other earns $25,000, the income gap is $75,000.
     • 30% = $22,500 yearly / $1,875 monthly
     • 35% = $26,250 yearly / $2,187 monthly
2. Recipient’s Needs Rule
   • Alimony cannot exceed the recipient’s actual financial need.
   • If the recipient enters a monthly need (say $2,000), the calculator ensures the payment does not go above that.
3. Duration Rule
   • The length of the marriage determines how long alimony may last.
   • Massachusetts law sets percentage caps:
     • Up to 5 years: alimony may last up to 50% of the marriage length
     • 5–10 years: up to 60%
     • 10–15 years: up to 70%
     • 15–20 years: up to 80%
     • 20+ years: indefinite, until the payor reaches full retirement age

The calculator runs this math instantly and shows you a range and duration in a clean, easy-to-read format.

Why Use the Massachusetts Maintenance Calculator?

Using this tool offers several benefits:

Clarity – It gives you a ballpark figure for what to expect.
Speed – No need to work through complex legal formulas by hand.
Preparation – Helps you understand the potential outcome before meeting with an attorney.
Transparency – Both spouses can see the numbers using the same method.

Important Limitations

It’s critical to remember:

• This calculator provides estimates, not guarantees.
• Judges consider other factors like age, health, employment history, and contributions during the marriage.
• Special types of alimony (rehabilitative, reimbursement, transitional) may follow different rules.
• Only a Massachusetts divorce attorney can give you advice tailored to your situation.