How do I calculate for spousal support after divorce?

Dissomaster or Ex spouse.

Detailed answers to many frequently asked questions regarding divorce, custody, visitation, child support, alimony, paternity and other Family Law matters are located on my website.

Assuming that you are entitled to seek spousal support, there are many factors. The most important is what can he afford? Are there children who require support? Whether you work? How much you earn? If you do not work, what work are you capable of? What is the status of your health? What is your education in relationship to his? And other.

Since you didn't say what state you are in, and there are 50 different rules, there is no way to answer you.

There is no specific formula to determine spousal support, and you are correct that various factors are involved in the determination. Under NRS 125.150, in granting a divorce, the court: May award such alimony to the wife or to the husband, in a specified principal sum or as specified periodic payments, as appears just and equitable... In addition to any other factors the court considers relevant in determining whether to award alimony and the amount of such an award, the court shall consider: (a) The financial condition of each spouse; (b) The nature and value of the respective property of each spouse; (c) The contribution of each spouse to any property held by the spouses pursuant to NRS 123.030; (d) The duration of the marriage; (e) The income, earning capacity, age and health of each spouse; (f) The standard of living during the marriage; (g) The career before the marriage of the spouse who would receive the alimony; (h) The existence of specialized education or training or the level of marketable skills attained by each spouse during the marriage; (i) The contribution of either spouse as homemaker; (j) The award of property granted by the court in the divorce, other than child support and alimony, to the spouse who would receive the alimony; and (k) The physical and mental condition of each party as it relates to the financial condition, health and ability to work of that spouse. An attorney experienced in this area can help you sort through which facts are most important and what evidence should be submitted to the judge on your behalf, if you chose to proceed with a contested divorce.

At least in Washington, there is no fixed formula for calculating maintenance in a divorce. Basically, it is whatever number seems fair to the court after taking into consideration all of the statutory and case law factors.

There is a computer program you would have to purchase.

In Colorado there is no formula for spousal support after entry of the Decree. For the purposes of discussion with your spouse, the logical starting point is what do you need compared to what he is able to pay after meeting his own needs. Whatever the two of you agree to is what a judge will probably approve. If you can't agree, the judge will have to come up with a figure after review all the facts and circumstances.

After divorce, it is called "alimony." In PA, it is a secondary remedy after Equitable Distribution. I'd suggest hiring a lawyer to analyze your case with you.

There is no calculation, as there is for child support. One way of arguing the amount is to look at your income vs. your need and the payer’s income vs. his/her need. You start the process by filing for divorce, legal separation or separate maintenance and moving for temporary orders getting you maintenance.