Maine Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support and how long it lasts under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A. Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate with a step-by-step breakdown and statute citations.
Maine Alimony Calculator
This state publishes a guideline equation that takes a share of the payor’s income and subtracts a share of the payee’s.
Based on 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A · Verified June 1, 2026
Maine has no statutory alimony formula
Maine has no statutory alimony formula, so this figure uses the AAML national guideline (30% of the payor's gross income minus 20% of the payee's, capped at 40% of combined income) purely as a ballpark. The figure below is an estimate to give you a ballpark — a Maine judge decides the actual amount and duration using the factors listed beneath the calculator. About this method.
Enter income details to see your estimate
Eligibility: For "general support," there is a rebuttable presumption that none is awarded if the parties were married less than 10 years as of the divorce filing date. The presumption can be overcome if applying it would be inequitable or unjust.
Factors Maine Courts Weigh
- •Length of the marriage
- •Ability of each party to pay
- •Age of each party
- •Employment history and employment potential of each party
- •Income history and income potential of each party
- •Education and training of each party
- •Provisions for retirement and health insurance benefits
- •Tax consequences of the property division and of the spousal support award
- •Health and disabilities of each party
- •Contributions of either party as a homemaker
- •Contributions of either party to the education or earning potential of the other
- •Economic misconduct or economic abuse by either party resulting in diminution of marital property or income
- •Standard of living during the marriage
- •Ability of the party seeking support to become self-supporting within a reasonable time
- •Effect of income-producing marital or non-marital property on a party's need for or ability to pay support
- •Effect of any child support award on the parties' income
How Maine Alimony Works
- •Maine has NO formula or percentage for the AMOUNT of alimony. Amount and type are set by judicial discretion weighing 17 statutory factors under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A(5).
- •Maine recognizes five distinct types of spousal support: general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal, and interim (pendente lite).
- •Maine DOES have statutory DURATION presumptions for 'general support': a rebuttable presumption against any general support if married under 10 years, and a rebuttable presumption that general support cannot exceed 1/2 the length of the marriage for marriages of at least 10 but not more than 20 years (as measured at the divorce filing date).
- •Both duration presumptions are rebuttable where applying them 'would be inequitable or unjust.' For marriages over 20 years, no duration cap presumption applies and longer or indefinite support is possible.
- •The statute does not specify gross vs. net income; income is treated under general gross-income principles for the national-model illustration, which is clearly labeled as an estimate, not a Maine formula.
This is an estimate for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Alimony is highly discretionary; a Maine judge can order a different amount or duration. Consult a licensed Maine family-law attorney about your situation. See the official Maine resource.
How Maine Calculates Alimony
Maine addresses spousal support under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A. It uses a guideline equation that takes a percentage of the payor's gross income and subtracts a percentage of the payee's gross income, with statutory caps. The calculator above applies that equation to your figures and shows each step.
Unlike child support, alimony is one of the most discretionary areas of family law. Even in states with a guideline equation, the figure is a starting point a judge can adjust after weighing the statutory factors, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's needs and ability to pay. Treat any number here as an informed estimate, not a guaranteed award.
Key Rules in Maine
- Maine has NO formula or percentage for the AMOUNT of alimony. Amount and type are set by judicial discretion weighing 17 statutory factors under 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A(5).
- Maine recognizes five distinct types of spousal support: general, transitional, reimbursement, nominal, and interim (pendente lite).
- Maine DOES have statutory DURATION presumptions for 'general support': a rebuttable presumption against any general support if married under 10 years, and a rebuttable presumption that general support cannot exceed 1/2 the length of the marriage for marriages of at least 10 but not more than 20 years (as measured at the divorce filing date).
- Both duration presumptions are rebuttable where applying them 'would be inequitable or unjust.' For marriages over 20 years, no duration cap presumption applies and longer or indefinite support is possible.
- The statute does not specify gross vs. net income; income is treated under general gross-income principles for the national-model illustration, which is clearly labeled as an estimate, not a Maine formula.
How Long Alimony Lasts in Maine
Maine statute creates rebuttable presumptions on the DURATION of general support: none if married under 10 years; capped at 1/2 the marriage length for marriages of 10-20 years; no cap presumption for marriages over 20 years. Both presumptions can be rebutted where inequitable or unjust. There is no statutory rule for the AMOUNT.
What Counts as Income
Maine's calculation uses each spouse’s gross income — earnings before taxes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and many recurring sources. Courts can also impute income to a spouse who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning support can be based on what a spouse could earn rather than what they currently do. Use your most recent pay stubs and tax return for the most accurate estimate.
Eligibility & Modifying an Order
For "general support," there is a rebuttable presumption that none is awarded if the parties were married less than 10 years as of the divorce filing date. The presumption can be overcome if applying it would be inequitable or unjust.
Alimony orders can usually be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — for example, a significant change in either spouse's income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, retirement, or the payor's loss of employment. The specific rules and any non-modifiable agreements depend on your court order and Maine law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Maine alimony calculator accurate?
It applies the Maine guideline from 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A to the numbers you enter, so it gives a close estimate of a typical guideline award. It is not an official court calculation — a judge can order a different amount after weighing the statutory factors.
Is alimony taxable in Maine?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is not deductible by the payor and is not taxable income to the recipient under federal law. Most states follow the federal treatment, but check Maine's current rules for state income tax.
Does cheating affect alimony in Maine?
It depends on the state. Some states let courts consider marital misconduct among the alimony factors, while others bar it entirely. Review 19-A M.R.S. § 951-A and speak with a Maine attorney about how fault is treated where you live.
Can alimony be changed later?
Usually yes. Alimony can often be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a large change in income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or the payor's retirement — unless your order or agreement makes it non-modifiable.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Alimony is highly fact-specific and discretionary; the amount and duration a Maine court actually orders may differ significantly from any estimate here. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Maine family-law attorney.
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