New York Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support and how long it lasts under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate with a step-by-step breakdown and statute citations.
New York 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 N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6) · Verified June 1, 2026
Enter income details to see your estimate
Factors New York Courts Weigh
- •The age and health of the parties
- •Present or future earning capacity of the parties
- •Need of one party to incur education or training expenses
- •Termination of a child-support award
- •Wasteful dissipation of marital property
- •Standard of living during the marriage
- •Reduced earning capacity from forgoing a career during the marriage
- •Care of children or family members during the marriage
How New York Alimony Works
- •New York calls alimony "maintenance." The guideline applies only to the payor's income up to a statutory cap, which is $241,000 as of March 1, 2026.
- •There are two formulas and the court uses whichever produces the lower number; the formula also changes depending on whether the payor is paying child support.
- •If the formula produces a negative number, the guideline amount of maintenance is zero.
- •For income above the cap, the court decides whether to award additional maintenance based on the statutory factors.
This is an estimate for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Alimony is highly discretionary; a New York judge can order a different amount or duration. Consult a licensed New York family-law attorney about your situation. See the official New York resource.
How New York Calculates Alimony
New York addresses spousal support under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). It uses a guideline equation that takes a percentage of the payor's net income and subtracts a percentage of the payee's net 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 New York
- New York calls alimony "maintenance." The guideline applies only to the payor's income up to a statutory cap, which is $241,000 as of March 1, 2026.
- There are two formulas and the court uses whichever produces the lower number; the formula also changes depending on whether the payor is paying child support.
- If the formula produces a negative number, the guideline amount of maintenance is zero.
- For income above the cap, the court decides whether to award additional maintenance based on the statutory factors.
How Long Alimony Lasts in New York
New York provides an advisory duration range tied to the length of the marriage. The court chooses a point in (or outside) the range after weighing the statutory factors.
What Counts as Income
New York's formula runs on each spouse’s net income — gross pay minus taxes and mandatory deductions. 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
Not every divorce results in alimony. New York courts award it when one spouse has a genuine financial need and the other has the ability to pay, judged against the factors above.
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 York law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this New York alimony calculator accurate?
It applies the New York guideline from N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6) 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 York?
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 York's current rules for state income tax.
Does cheating affect alimony in New York?
It depends on the state. Some states let courts consider marital misconduct among the alimony factors, while others bar it entirely. Review N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6) and speak with a New York 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 York court actually orders may differ significantly from any estimate here. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed New York family-law attorney.
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