Calculate Alimony Payments

If you want to calculate alimony payments or spousal support, it's not as easy as you think. Unlike child support payments, there isn't a specific formula or alimony payment calculator you can enter information into to produce an approximate amount. The basis for spousal support relies on many different variables, making it impossible to create one specific calculation.

Find out how to calculate spousal support.

How a Judge Will Calculate Alimony Payments

A judge will look at the financial situation and lifestyle of both you and your spouse to calculate alimony payments.

• Income

How much each spouse earns has the biggest effect on alimony payments.

• Child support

If you have children with your spouse, child support payments have a higher priority. This means that the spousal support may not be as high depending on the payer's income.

• Length of marriage

Longer marriages usually result in higher alimony payments.

• Lifestyle

The purpose of spousal support is to help the spouse with lower income to continue living a lifestyle comparable to the one he or she had before the divorce. This protects one of the spouses if he or she decided to stay home with children and may not have the skills or experience to find employment that will pay a high enough wage.

• Debt

Debt can have an influence on actual payments someone receives because that money may need to go into making payments.

• Assets

Your assets as a couple influence how much money a spouse receives.

• Future income

If the spouse requesting payment has the skills and training to find employment with a decent wage, that person may only receive a small amount or none at all.

• Disability or age

If the spouse is disabled or elderly it can affect how much someone will receive.

• Prenuptial agreement

The judge will consider the provisions of any prenuptial agreement.

Alimony Payments: Do-it Yourself

Some couples opt to calculate alimony payments themselves instead of using a judge. This is best for couples who are able to discuss finances after divorce calmly and fairly. You must be able to trust your spouse and be able to come to a decision on what amount would be fair for the both of you. When you proceed with the divorce, you will be able to put the figure into the divorce settlement to make it final.

Alimony Payments Can Change

When you calculate spousal support, the money owed or collected indefinitely my not continue indefinitely. Payments may stop or reduce if the collector remarries, finds employment, receives a raise, or receives money some other way or the payer has a change in financial situation. When a financial change occurs, it may be necessary to reconvene with the paying ex-spouse or meet with a judge for recalculation.

Spousal Support is Limited

Another thing to consider when calculating spousal support is that it usually doesn't last for more than a few years. It is mainly for the spouse who doesn't make as much income to be able to become self-sufficient after a divorce. In the alimony section of the divorce settlement, you may find it beneficial to state when spousal support will end.

Conclusion

No matter if you are the requestor or the payer of spousal support, it is important you know how to calculate alimony payments. You want to receive or pay what is fair for both you and your former spouse..

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