Alimony Estimator
Marriage Details
Monthly Financial Information
Spouse 1
Spouse 2
Analysis Dashboard
Key Takeaways
Estimated Monthly Alimony Range
Post-Alimony Financial Status (Guideline)
| Party | Net Resources | Expenses | Surplus/Deficit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payor | |||
| Recipient |
Financial Shift Comparison
Before Alimony
After Guideline Alimony
A Deeper Dive into Florida Alimony
Need vs. Ability to Pay
Alimony requires a balance: one spouse must have a financial need, and the other must have the ability to pay from their surplus income after meeting their own needs.
Alimony & Child Support
In Florida, alimony is calculated first. The resulting new incomes are then used to calculate child support, ensuring alimony is factored into each parent's available funds.
Tax Consequences
For divorces finalized after 2018, alimony is not tax-deductible for the payor and is not considered taxable income for the recipient at the federal level.
Health Insurance (COBRA)
A spouse may be eligible to continue health insurance coverage under their ex-spouse's plan through COBRA, but they will be responsible for the full premium. This is a key expense to include in your financial planning.
Termination of Alimony
Durational alimony typically ends upon the death of either party, the remarriage of the recipient, or if the recipient enters a new supportive relationship (cohabitation).
The Role of an Attorney
A calculator is a tool, not a replacement for an expert. A qualified attorney can:
- Navigate complex legal procedures.
- Advocate for your specific circumstances.
- Ensure a fair and legally sound outcome.
How Alimony Fits into the Divorce Process
Filing the Petition
The divorce process formally begins when one spouse files a "Petition for Dissolution of Marriage."
Financial Discovery
Both parties must exchange detailed "Financial Affidavits," which provide the data for this calculator.
Mediation & Negotiation
Most cases are settled here, using calculations like this as a starting point for discussion.
Trial & Final Judgment
If no agreement is reached, a judge hears evidence on all factors and makes a final, binding ruling.
Frequently Asked Questions
A judge has significant discretion. The "Guideline" is a common starting point. The "Low" and "High" ends represent potential adjustments a court might make based on the many statutory factors not captured in a simple calculation.
If a court finds a spouse is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, it can "impute" income to that person based on their work history, skills, and job opportunities. This potential income would then be used in the alimony calculation.
Durational alimony automatically terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. A court may also modify or terminate the award if the recipient enters into a supportive relationship (cohabitation).
Payment methods can be agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the court. Common methods include direct deposit, or an Income Withholding Order where payments are automatically deducted from the payor's paycheck.
No. For any divorce finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is NOT tax-deductible for the payor and is NOT considered taxable income for the recipient at the federal level.
