New Hampshire Alimony Calculator
Estimated Alimony
What Is Alimony in New Hampshire?
Alimony is financial support one spouse pays to the other after divorce. New Hampshire courts award alimony only if:
- The recipient has financial need.
- The payor has the ability to pay.
- The award is considered fair and reasonable under state law.
Unlike some states that follow strict formulas, New Hampshire judges have discretion. They consider:
- Each spouse’s income and expenses
- The length of the marriage
- The recipient’s need vs. the payor’s ability
- Fault in the divorce (for example, adultery or cruelty can reduce or eliminate alimony)
This flexibility is why an alimony calculator is valuable—it simplifies these factors into an easy-to-understand estimate.
How the New Hampshire Alimony Calculator Works
The calculator is built to mirror the way courts think about support. Here’s what it asks for:
- Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – How much the higher-earning spouse makes before taxes.
- Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – The other spouse’s income.
- Payor’s Monthly Expenses – Regular living costs, like housing, food, and insurance.
- Recipient’s Monthly Needs – What the spouse requesting alimony needs to cover basic expenses.
- Length of Marriage – Important, since long-term marriages often lead to longer support.
- Recipient Fault – If the recipient caused the divorce through serious misconduct, alimony may be reduced or denied.
The calculator compares recipient need with payor ability to pay, then estimates a payment range. It also gives context about how long alimony might last.
Example of How It Works
Imagine this scenario:
- Payor earns $7,500/month with expenses of $4,500.
- Recipient earns $2,200/month but has needs of $3,500.
- Marriage lasted 16 years.
- No marital fault.
Here’s what the calculator might show:
- Estimated Monthly Payment Range: Around $1,000 to $1,300
- Analysis: The recipient has proven need, the payor has ability to pay, and because the marriage was long-term, alimony may last up to half the marriage length (about 8 years).
This gives both parties a clear idea of what the court could decide.
Why This Calculator Is Helpful
- Clarity: Divorce finances can be stressful. Seeing real numbers helps reduce uncertainty.
- Preparation: You can walk into negotiations or mediation with realistic expectations.
- Education: Even if you’re not divorcing, it helps you understand how alimony law works in New Hampshire.
- Neutrality: The calculator doesn’t “take sides”—it simply shows the math behind need and ability.
Important Disclaimer
The calculator is not legal advice. It provides an estimate for educational purposes only. Every case is unique, and New Hampshire judges have discretion. If you’re considering divorce or already in the process, you should consult a qualified New Hampshire family law attorney to understand your specific situation.
