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Indiana Alimony Calculator (2026)

Indiana law (Ind. Code §31‑15‑7‑2) limits spousal maintenance to three narrow situations—an incapacitated spouse, a spouse caring for an incapacitated child, or rehabilitative maintenance capped at three years—making it one of the most restrictive states. Because there is no statutory formula, this tool provides only a rule‑of‑thumb estimate, not a legal determination.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

Indiana has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under Ind. Code § 31-15-7-2. The calculator below shows a widely used rule of thumb (the AAML guideline) as a negotiation starting point — it is not the law and a judge may land anywhere the factors justify.
Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Indiana spousal maintenance (limited to three situations) — Ind. Code § 31-15-7-2.

How Indiana calculates it

  • The court decides maintenance case‑by‑case using the factors listed in Ind. Code §31‑15‑7‑2; there is no statutory formula.
  • Calculate 30% of the higher‑earning spouse’s gross annual income.
  • Calculate 20% of the lower‑earning spouse’s gross annual income and subtract that amount from the 30% figure.
  • Apply a cap so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the combined income of both spouses.
  • Use the marriage‑length guide for duration: 30% of the marriage months if under 3 years, 50% if 3–10 years, 75% if 10–20 years, and indefinite if over 20 years.

Worked example

Higher earner $100,000/year, lower earner $40,000/year, 12-year marriage: 30% × $100,000 = $30,000; 20% × $40,000 = $8,000; difference $22,000/year, reduced to $16,000 by the 40% cap ≈ $1,333/month as a rule-of-thumb starting point. Duration guide for 12 years (10–20 years): 75% of 144 months ≈ 108 months. The court is not bound by any of this.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get alimony in Indiana after a short marriage?

In Indiana, maintenance is only ordered for an incapacitated spouse, a spouse caring for an incapacitated child, or for rehabilitative purposes (capped at three years). A short marriage without one of those conditions rarely qualifies for alimony.

Is alimony taxable in Indiana?

Indiana follows federal treatment. For divorces finalized after 2019, alimony is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible by the payer. Earlier divorces followed the old federal rule, which Indiana also applied.

How soon can alimony start after the divorce is final?

The court’s alimony order can specify any start date; most judges order payments to begin once the divorce decree is entered, but there is no statutory waiting period in Indiana.

Will my own earnings reduce the alimony amount?

The rule‑of‑thumb caps the recipient’s total income at 40% of the combined income. Any earnings the recipient makes are counted toward that cap, potentially lowering the payment.

Has Indiana changed its alimony rules recently?

No recent statutory amendments have altered Indiana’s restrictive framework. The guideline used here is a widely accepted professional rule‑of‑thumb, not a legal change.

Is the calculation different in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne or Evansville?

No. Ind. Code § 31-15-7-2 applies statewide, so courts in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Indiana.

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