New Jersey Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is the New Jersey Alimony Calculator?

The New Jersey Alimony Calculator is an online tool that estimates potential spousal support payments between two spouses. It is designed to:

• Compare income differences between spouses.
• Factor in child support paid or received.
• Adjust based on the length of marriage.
• Provide an estimated payment range (low to high).
• Suggest whether alimony may be open durational (for long-term marriages) or limited duration (for shorter marriages).

The calculator is not a substitute for legal advice, but it helps you understand likely outcomes based on New Jersey’s guidelines.

How the Calculator Works

The tool uses a straightforward formula to produce estimates. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Income Inputs
   • Payor’s gross monthly income: the higher-earning spouse’s income before taxes.
   • Recipient’s gross monthly income: the lower-earning spouse’s income before taxes.
2. Child Support Adjustments
   • Any child support paid by the payor is subtracted from their income.
   • Any child support received by the recipient is added to their income.
3. Income Difference
   • The adjusted incomes are compared.
   • If the payor’s adjusted income is higher, the difference is used to calculate potential alimony.
4. Payment Range
   • The calculator applies a range multiplier:
     • Low estimate: 25% of the income difference.
     • High estimate: 30% of the income difference.
   • This creates a realistic monthly payment range.
5. Marriage Duration
   • If the marriage lasted 20 years or more, the court may consider Open Durational Alimony, which has no set end date and continues until a major life change (e.g., retirement or remarriage).
   • If the marriage lasted less than 20 years, the alimony duration cannot exceed the length of the marriage (except in rare circumstances).

Example: Using the New Jersey Alimony Calculator

Let’s say:

• Payor earns $9,000 per month.
• Recipient earns $3,000 per month.
• No child support paid or received.
• Marriage lasted 18 years.

The calculator would show:

• Estimated Monthly Alimony Range: $1,500 – $1,800.
• Duration Analysis: Since the marriage is under 20 years, alimony cannot exceed 18 years and will be for a limited duration.

This gives both parties a ballpark understanding of possible outcomes.

Why Use the Calculator?

• Clarity during negotiations – Knowing the numbers upfront can reduce stress and conflict.
• Planning finances – Helps both spouses budget for the future.
• Educational tool – Useful for understanding how NJ courts often analyze alimony cases.

Important Legal Disclaimer

The New Jersey Alimony Calculator is an informational tool only. Actual alimony awards depend on many legal factors such as:

• Age and health of both spouses.
• Earning capacity and education.
• Standard of living during the marriage.
• Parental responsibilities.

Courts review these and other factors under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 before making a final decision. Always consult with a qualified New Jersey family law attorney for personalized legal advice.