Spousal Maintenance Calculator

Estimate spousal maintenance range for divorce. Based on income difference and length of marriage.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Maintenance payments

£
£

Indicative Monthly Range

£666.67 — £1,100.00

For approximately 5 years

Low (20%)

£8,000.00/yr

Mid (25%)

£10,000.00/yr

High (33%)

£13,200.00/yr

England & Wales has no fixed formula for spousal maintenance. Courts consider: income gap, length of marriage, standard of living, ages, earning capacity, and childcare responsibilities. This is a rough guide only — seek legal advice.

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Spousal maintenance (previously called alimony) is a regular payment from one ex-spouse to the other after divorce. It is not automatic — it depends on whether one party has a financial need that cannot be met from their own resources, and whether the other party has the ability to pay.

Courts consider the income disparity, each party's earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage and the time needed for the receiving party to become financially independent. Maintenance can be ordered for a fixed term (joint lives with a term) or until remarriage or death.

There is no fixed formula in England and Wales, unlike child maintenance. However, a common guideline used by many solicitors is one-third of the difference between the parties' incomes. This calculator uses that indicative approach while noting that the court can deviate significantly.

Example: Income disparity after 12-year marriage

  1. Higher earner gross income: £65,000/year
  2. Lower earner gross income: £20,000/year
  3. Income difference: £45,000
  4. Indicative maintenance (1/3 of difference): £15,000/year = £1,250/month
  5. Typical term: 5–7 years for a 12-year marriage (varies widely)

Source: GOV.UK — Maintenance payments

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Spousal Maintenance Calculator do?
Estimate spousal maintenance range for divorce. Based on income difference and length of marriage. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Are court fees accurate?
This calculator uses the current UK court fee schedule. Fees are set by the Ministry of Justice and are reviewed periodically. Check GOV.UK for the very latest fee amounts.
Do I need a solicitor?
Whether you need a solicitor depends on the complexity of your case. For straightforward matters you may be able to represent yourself, but for significant legal issues professional advice is recommended.