Alimony Calculator
Estimate a possible spousal support range using several formulas courts and bar associations in other states have used. North Carolina has no set formula, judges decide alimony case by case, so use this as a starting point for a conversation, not a prediction.
What You’ll Need
To get an estimate, have these five numbers ready:
- Your gross yearly income. Gross income is income before taxes.
- Your net yearly income. Net income is income after taxes. If you’re not sure, the calculator can estimate it at 70% of your gross income.
- Your spouse’s gross yearly income.
- Your spouse’s net yearly income. Same 70% estimate option is available.
- Length of the marriage, in years.
Formulas Included
The calculator runs your numbers through eight formulas used in various other states and bar associations, then averages them. If your state (or North Carolina) isn’t on this list, the average gives you a general reference point.
Alimony Estimate Calculator
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Factors Courts Actually Weigh
Many states, including North Carolina, don’t use a formula at all. Instead, a judge weighs factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age and health, education and earning capacity, individual contributions to the marriage, marital misconduct, and the overall estate and income of each party. If your state isn’t listed above, the calculator’s average can serve as a general reference point.
Payment Terms & Taxes
Alimony can be paid as a lump sum or in monthly installments; talk to a tax professional before agreeing to a lump-sum payment. For orders and agreements entered before January 1, 2019, the paying spouse could deduct support payments and the receiving spouse paid taxes on them. For orders entered on or after January 1, 2019, that changed: the payor can no longer deduct the payments, and the recipient no longer owes tax on them.
How Alimony Gets Ordered
Alimony can be agreed to in a separation agreement or mediated settlement, or, if the parties can’t agree, requested as a claim in court. One thing worth thinking through before you agree to a number or a court order: whether that alimony can later be modified. In some states, alimony set out in an agreement can’t be modified by a court later, even if circumstances change.
North Carolina Doesn’t Use a Formula
North Carolina courts do not calculate alimony with a set formula, judges award it case by case based on the statutory factors. The eight formulas above come from other states and bar associations and are provided for educational comparison only; they are not binding and are not based on North Carolina law. This calculator is for general information, not legal advice. If you think you may be entitled to receive alimony, or expect to be asked to pay it, talk with a North Carolina family law attorney about your specific situation.
Related Reading
Not Sure What Your Numbers Mean?
An estimate is a starting point, not a strategy. Talk with our team about what alimony could realistically look like in your case.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. North Carolina does not have a set formula for calculating alimony; courts decide alimony awards case by case. The results shown are not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a prediction of any court’s decision. Please consult a licensed North Carolina family law attorney about your specific circumstances.