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Massachusetts Spousal Support Calculator

Massachusetts law defines four types of alimony and sets duration limits for general term alimony based on the length of the marriage.

Spousal Support Calculator

Estimate potential alimony payments based on income disparity, marriage length, and other key factors. Results are estimates only and vary significantly by state.

Basic Information

Higher Earner

$
Monthly: $7,917

Lower Earner

$
Monthly: $2,917

Type of Support

Additional Factors

Estimated Spousal Support

Higher Earner pays Lower Earner
$1,597
per month
Duration
5.0 years
Total Est. Payment
$95,838
Long-term Marriage - Rehabilitative Support
Time-limited support to help become self-sufficient

Income Analysis

Income Difference
$60,000/yr
46.2% disparity
Support as % of Income
20.2%
of Higher Earner's income

Post-Support Monthly Income

Higher Earner

Before Support:$7,917
Support Payment:-$1,597
After Support:$6,319

Lower Earner

Before Support:$2,917
Support Received:+$1,597
After Support:$4,514

Applied Adjustments

  • Increased for career sacrifice during marriage
Tax Considerations
For divorces finalized after Dec 31, 2018, alimony is no longer tax-deductible for payer or taxable income for recipient (TCJA 2017).

Critical Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough estimates for educational purposes only using simplified formulas. Actual spousal support (alimony) varies dramatically by state (Massachusetts), with some states using formulas and others using factor-based approaches. Courts consider numerous factors including earning capacity, standard of living, contributions to marriage, age, health, and more. These calculations do NOT constitute legal advice. Consult with a family law attorney in Massachusetts for accurate analysis of your specific situation.

Massachusetts Alimony

Massachusetts law sets four types of alimony and time limits for general term alimony.

Types

  • General term: ongoing support, limited by the length of the marriage

  • Rehabilitative: up to 5 years, while the recipient becomes self-supporting

  • Reimbursement: compensates contributions such as supporting a spouse through school

  • Transitional: up to 3 years, to help adjust to a new situation

General Term Duration

Marriages of 5 years or less: up to 50% of the marriage length. Over 5 to 10 years: 60%. Over 10 to 15 years: 70%. Over 15 to 20 years: 80%. Over 20 years: the court may order alimony without a fixed end date.

Retirement

General term alimony generally ends when the payer reaches full retirement age. The court can set a different end date when it makes the order, or extend it for good cause with written findings.

Amount

Generally, general term alimony should not exceed the recipient's need or 30–35% of the difference between the spouses' gross incomes.

Tax

Not deductible or taxable on the federal return for divorces finalized after 2018. Massachusetts may treat alimony differently on the state return, so confirm with a tax professional.

Cost

The court filing fee is $215. Divorce.com packages start at $499 in most states; court filing fees are separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: How long does general term alimony last? A: Up to 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the marriage length, depending on whether the marriage lasted 5 years or less, 5–10, 10–15, or 15–20 years. Over 20 years can be indefinite.

  • Q: Is there an alimony formula? A: No fixed formula, but general term alimony generally shouldn't exceed the recipient's need or 30–35% of the income difference.

  • Q: Does alimony end at retirement? A: Generally at the payer's full retirement age, unless the court sets otherwise or extends it for good cause.

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RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

-

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We've helped with

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We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

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Your State

Online Divorce

The better way to get divorced.

File for Divorce Online — Without the High Costs or Conflict

Answer a few questions to see your personalized divorce options in under 3 minutes.

Written By:

Massachusetts Spousal Support Calculator

Massachusetts law defines four types of alimony and sets duration limits for general term alimony based on the length of the marriage.

Spousal Support Calculator

Estimate potential alimony payments based on income disparity, marriage length, and other key factors. Results are estimates only and vary significantly by state.

Basic Information

Higher Earner

$
Monthly: $7,917

Lower Earner

$
Monthly: $2,917

Type of Support

Additional Factors

Estimated Spousal Support

Higher Earner pays Lower Earner
$1,597
per month
Duration
5.0 years
Total Est. Payment
$95,838
Long-term Marriage - Rehabilitative Support
Time-limited support to help become self-sufficient

Income Analysis

Income Difference
$60,000/yr
46.2% disparity
Support as % of Income
20.2%
of Higher Earner's income

Post-Support Monthly Income

Higher Earner

Before Support:$7,917
Support Payment:-$1,597
After Support:$6,319

Lower Earner

Before Support:$2,917
Support Received:+$1,597
After Support:$4,514

Applied Adjustments

  • Increased for career sacrifice during marriage
Tax Considerations
For divorces finalized after Dec 31, 2018, alimony is no longer tax-deductible for payer or taxable income for recipient (TCJA 2017).

Critical Disclaimer: This calculator provides rough estimates for educational purposes only using simplified formulas. Actual spousal support (alimony) varies dramatically by state (Massachusetts), with some states using formulas and others using factor-based approaches. Courts consider numerous factors including earning capacity, standard of living, contributions to marriage, age, health, and more. These calculations do NOT constitute legal advice. Consult with a family law attorney in Massachusetts for accurate analysis of your specific situation.

Massachusetts Alimony

Massachusetts law sets four types of alimony and time limits for general term alimony.

Types

  • General term: ongoing support, limited by the length of the marriage

  • Rehabilitative: up to 5 years, while the recipient becomes self-supporting

  • Reimbursement: compensates contributions such as supporting a spouse through school

  • Transitional: up to 3 years, to help adjust to a new situation

General Term Duration

Marriages of 5 years or less: up to 50% of the marriage length. Over 5 to 10 years: 60%. Over 10 to 15 years: 70%. Over 15 to 20 years: 80%. Over 20 years: the court may order alimony without a fixed end date.

Retirement

General term alimony generally ends when the payer reaches full retirement age. The court can set a different end date when it makes the order, or extend it for good cause with written findings.

Amount

Generally, general term alimony should not exceed the recipient's need or 30–35% of the difference between the spouses' gross incomes.

Tax

Not deductible or taxable on the federal return for divorces finalized after 2018. Massachusetts may treat alimony differently on the state return, so confirm with a tax professional.

Cost

The court filing fee is $215. Divorce.com packages start at $499 in most states; court filing fees are separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: How long does general term alimony last? A: Up to 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% of the marriage length, depending on whether the marriage lasted 5 years or less, 5–10, 10–15, or 15–20 years. Over 20 years can be indefinite.

  • Q: Is there an alimony formula? A: No fixed formula, but general term alimony generally shouldn't exceed the recipient's need or 30–35% of the income difference.

  • Q: Does alimony end at retirement? A: Generally at the payer's full retirement age, unless the court sets otherwise or extends it for good cause.

RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

RETAINER FEE


PETITION





COURT FILING FEE

SUMMONS


AFFIDAVIT


MOTIONS


ARGUMENTS


TEMPORARY ORDERS

HEARINGS


SUBPOENAS


DEPOSITIONS


SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCES

JUDGEMENT





TRIAL


APPEALS

State Divorce Guides

City Divorce Guides

County Divorce Guides

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

-

$1,999

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Proudly featured in these publications