South Dakota Maintenance (Alimony) Calculator

What Is Alimony in South Dakota?

Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays to the other after a divorce. The purpose is to balance economic fairness when one spouse earns much more or when one spouse needs time to become financially independent.

In South Dakota, courts may order:

• Rehabilitative alimony (short-term support to help a spouse re-enter the workforce)
• Permanent or long-term alimony (more common after very long marriages)
• Reimbursement alimony (to compensate one spouse for expenses like education support during the marriage)

Unlike some states, South Dakota does not have strict formulas in law for alimony. Instead, judges weigh several factors, such as income differences, length of the marriage, standard of living, and marital fault.

How the South Dakota Alimony Calculator Works

The South Dakota Maintenance Calculator is designed to give you a rough estimate of potential support. It uses a simple formula combined with adjustable factors to model how courts might look at your case.

Here’s what it asks you to enter:

1. Payor’s Gross Monthly Income – The spouse expected to pay alimony.
2. Recipient’s Gross Monthly Income – The spouse requesting alimony.
3. Recipient’s Monthly Needs – Living expenses that need to be covered.
4. Length of Marriage – Important for determining if alimony might be short-term or long-term.
5. Marital Fault – Whether either spouse’s misconduct may affect the award.

Behind the Numbers

• The calculator compares the recipient’s shortfall (needs minus income) with the payor’s ability to pay (about 35% of their income).
• The lower of the two numbers is used as the base alimony estimate.
• A range is added (±20%) to show the typical variation judges might apply.
• Marriage length guides whether the alimony is likely temporary or potentially permanent.
• Marital fault (such as misconduct by either spouse) can increase or reduce the award.

For example:

• Payor earns $6,500/month
• Recipient earns $1,500/month
• Recipient needs $3,000/month
• Marriage lasted 15 years
• No fault alleged

The calculator may show an estimated monthly range of around $1,600–$2,000, with a note that a 15-year marriage usually results in rehabilitative, time-limited alimony.

Why This Calculator Is Useful

• Clarity: It helps you visualize what alimony could look like.
• Negotiation tool: Couples can use it when discussing settlement options.
• Preparation: Knowing a ballpark figure can make consultations with attorneys more efficient.

Important Limitations

It’s critical to remember:

• South Dakota judges are not bound by formulas. They can award more, less, or nothing at all.
• Each case is unique. Factors like age, health, earning ability, property division, and lifestyle all come into play.
• Fault matters. South Dakota allows courts to consider misconduct, unlike many “no-fault” states.

This calculator is an informational tool only. The final decision will depend on the judge and the specific facts of your case.