New York Maintenance Calculator
Guideline Maintenance Analysis
What Is the New York Maintenance Calculator?
The New York Maintenance Calculator is an interactive web tool that estimates spousal support (also known as alimony or maintenance) based on New York law. You enter:
- Payor’s income
- Recipient’s income
- Whether child support is being paid
- Length of the marriage
Click Calculate, and the tool gives you:
- Estimated annual maintenance
- Estimated monthly maintenance
- Suggested duration range for how long payments should last
It’s fast, free, and based on real New York formulas.
What Inputs Does the Calculator Use?
The calculator pulls four pieces of information. Let’s explain each one in plain English:
1. Payor’s Gross Annual Income
This is the higher earner in the relationship — the one who may owe maintenance. Gross income means before taxes.
Example: $150,000/year
2. Recipient’s Gross Annual Income
This is the lower earner — the person who may receive support.
Example: $40,000/year
3. Does the Payor Pay Child Support?
This changes the formula slightly. If the payor already pays child support, they may owe less in spousal support.
Choose: Yes or No
4. Length of the Marriage (Years)
Used to determine how long the maintenance should last. Longer marriages = longer duration.
Example: 18 years
How the Calculator Works (Behind the Scenes)
Here’s where the law meets the math. The calculator uses two formulas defined in New York Domestic Relations Law § 236. It chooses the lower result to estimate your annual support amount.
Formula 1: Income-Based
If the payor doesn’t pay child support:
(30% of Payor Income) - (20% of Recipient Income)
If the payor does pay child support:
(25% of Payor Income) - (20% of Recipient Income)
Formula 2: Combined Income Cap
It also calculates:
(40% of combined income) - Recipient Income
Then it compares the two and picks the lower number.
Important: Income above $203,000 is not automatically included. That’s the statutory cap. Judges can use discretion beyond it.
Duration: How Long Will Maintenance Last?
This isn’t just about how much — it’s also about how long.
The calculator follows state guidelines for duration, based on how long the couple was married:
| Years Married | Low Duration | High Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 0–15 years | 15% | 30% |
| 15–20 years | 30% | 40% |
| 20+ years | 35% | 50% |
So for an 18-year marriage, the advisory duration range would be:
18 × 30% = 5.4 years
18 × 40% = 7.2 years
Result: 5.4 to 7.2 years
What Makes This Calculator User-Friendly?
- Clean layout – Intuitive form fields in two columns
- Responsive design – Looks good on mobile and desktop
- Instant results – No need to refresh or reload
- Discreet and private – No personal data stored
The tool is fully embedded in a styled container, with modern fonts, subtle colors, and clear labels. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use it.
Disclaimer: This Is Just a Starting Point
This tool is not legal advice. It follows New York’s guideline formulas, but:
- Judges can deviate from the result
- Other factors may apply (e.g., health, age, sacrifices made)
- The cap on income ($203,000) limits automatic calculations
Tip: If your income is above the cap or your case is complicated, talk to a New York family law attorney.
Why This Calculator Matters
Whether you’re preparing for divorce, negotiating terms, or just want clarity — this tool gives you a solid estimate in seconds.
Benefits:
- Reduces emotional guesswork
- Supports fair negotiation
- Makes attorney consultations more productive
- Helps plan financially post-divorce
