New York Alimony Calculator
Estimate post-divorce maintenance under New York's statutory formula (Dom. Rel. Law §236B(6)(e), eff. Jan. 25, 2016). Free, instant, no data stored.
Estimated Maintenance
Guideline amount per DRL §236B(6)(e). Income above the annual cap ($203,000 as of 2024, adjusted periodically) uses the lower of the two sub-formulas applied to the cap. Courts may deviate.
Source: N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law §236B(6)(e) (as of Jan. 25, 2016).
How the New York formula works
New York Domestic Relations Law §236B(6)(e) provides a formula for post-divorce maintenance (formerly called "alimony"). The court applies the lower of two sub-formulas:
- Formula 1: 30% of the higher-income spouse's gross income minus 20% of the lower-income spouse's gross income.
- Formula 2: 40% of the spouses' combined gross income minus 2× the lower-income spouse's gross income.
The income cap for the paying spouse is $203,000 per year (approximately $16,917/month) as of 2024; income above that cap is not included in the formula calculation, though the court retains discretion to award additional support above the guideline. The cap is adjusted periodically by the Chief Administrative Judge.
Duration is advisory under the statute. For marriages under 15 years, the guideline range is 15–30% of the marriage length; for 15–19 years, 30–40%; for 20 or more years, 35–50%, with permanent maintenance possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as temporary maintenance? No. New York also has a formula for temporary maintenance (pendente lite) during the divorce proceedings. This calculator covers post-divorce maintenance only.
Can the court award more than the formula? Yes. Courts may deviate for factors including the standard of living during the marriage, health, and the need for education or training.