New Hampshire Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support and how long it lasts under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) § 458:19-a. Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate with a step-by-step breakdown and statute citations.
New Hampshire Alimony Calculator
This state’s guideline is a percentage of the difference between the spouses’ incomes, capped by the recipient’s need.
Based on N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) § 458:19-a · Verified June 1, 2026
Enter income details to see your estimate
Eligibility: In a contested case the court may order term alimony only if it finds the payee lacks sufficient income/property to provide for their own reasonable needs given the marital lifestyle, OR cannot be self-supporting through appropriate employment, OR has parental responsibilities under RSA 461-A limiting employment; the payor must also be able to meet their own reasonable needs while paying. No minimum marriage length to be eligible, but duration is capped at 50% of marriage length.
Factors New Hampshire Courts Weigh
- •Health, including disability, chronic or severe mental or physical illness, or other unusual health circumstances of either party
- •The degree and duration of any financial dependency of one party on the other
- •Vocational skills, occupation, benefits available from employment, and the present and future employability of both parties
- •Voluntary unemployment or underemployment of either party
- •The special needs of a minor or adult child of the parties
- •Property awarded under RSA 458:16-a
- •The conduct of either party during the marriage, including abuse (RSA 173-B:1, I) or fault (RSA 458:16-a, II(l))
- •Differences in the parties' benefits under the federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Social Security program
- •Diminution of significant assets by a party coupled with a lack of sufficient assets to equitably divide or recoup under RSA 458:16-a
- •The impact of federal tax law on the parties, including the allocation of applicable tax-related benefits, and any other reason the court deems material and relevant
How New Hampshire Alimony Works
- •New Hampshire is one of the minority of states with a real statutory amount formula. RSA 458:19-a (term alimony reform effective Jan. 1, 2019; amended 2021) sets term alimony at the lesser of reasonable need or 23% of the gross-income difference between the spouses.
- •The 23% rate is tied to federal tax treatment. Because alimony is currently non-deductible/non-taxable, 23% applies; the statute automatically reverts to 30% if federal law again makes alimony deductible to the payor.
- •Duration is statutorily capped at 50% of the length of the marriage, unless the parties agree otherwise or the court finds that justice requires an adjustment.
- •Gross income is adjusted: subtract other ordered/paid support and certain insurance/expenses; for the payee, add child support received for the joint children before computing the difference. New Hampshire case law (In re Bondaz) confirms the 23% figure is a ceiling and the payee's reasonable need controls when it is lower.
- •Alimony terminates automatically when the payor reaches full Social Security retirement age (or actually retires, whichever is later), or when the payee remarries or cohabits in a marriage-like relationship (RSA 458:19-aa). Reimbursement alimony is a separate, non-formula category.
This is an estimate for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Alimony is highly discretionary; a New Hampshire judge can order a different amount or duration. Consult a licensed New Hampshire family-law attorney about your situation. See the official New Hampshire resource.
How New Hampshire Calculates Alimony
New Hampshire addresses spousal support under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) § 458:19-a. It sets alimony as a percentage of the difference between the spouses' gross incomes, capped by the recipient's demonstrated need. The calculator shows the guideline range for your numbers.
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 New Hampshire
- New Hampshire is one of the minority of states with a real statutory amount formula. RSA 458:19-a (term alimony reform effective Jan. 1, 2019; amended 2021) sets term alimony at the lesser of reasonable need or 23% of the gross-income difference between the spouses.
- The 23% rate is tied to federal tax treatment. Because alimony is currently non-deductible/non-taxable, 23% applies; the statute automatically reverts to 30% if federal law again makes alimony deductible to the payor.
- Duration is statutorily capped at 50% of the length of the marriage, unless the parties agree otherwise or the court finds that justice requires an adjustment.
- Gross income is adjusted: subtract other ordered/paid support and certain insurance/expenses; for the payee, add child support received for the joint children before computing the difference. New Hampshire case law (In re Bondaz) confirms the 23% figure is a ceiling and the payee's reasonable need controls when it is lower.
- Alimony terminates automatically when the payor reaches full Social Security retirement age (or actually retires, whichever is later), or when the payee remarries or cohabits in a marriage-like relationship (RSA 458:19-aa). Reimbursement alimony is a separate, non-formula category.
How Long Alimony Lasts in New Hampshire
Maximum duration of term alimony is 50% of the length of the marriage, unless the parties agree otherwise or the court finds that justice requires an adjustment (RSA 458:19-a, III). The statute expresses a single ceiling rather than tiered bands; it applies across all marriage lengths.
What Counts as Income
New Hampshire'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
In a contested case the court may order term alimony only if it finds the payee lacks sufficient income/property to provide for their own reasonable needs given the marital lifestyle, OR cannot be self-supporting through appropriate employment, OR has parental responsibilities under RSA 461-A limiting employment; the payor must also be able to meet their own reasonable needs while paying. No minimum marriage length to be eligible, but duration is capped at 50% of marriage length.
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 New Hampshire law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this New Hampshire alimony calculator accurate?
It applies the New Hampshire guideline from N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) § 458:19-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 New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire's current rules for state income tax.
Does cheating affect alimony in New Hampshire?
It depends on the state. Some states let courts consider marital misconduct among the alimony factors, while others bar it entirely. Review N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) § 458:19-a and speak with a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire court actually orders may differ significantly from any estimate here. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed New Hampshire family-law attorney.
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