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Kentucky Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under KRS 403.200, Kentucky courts look at a list of maintenance factors and require the requesting spouse to lack sufficient property and be unable to support themselves before any alimony is considered. Because the state has no statutory formula, this tool provides a widely used rule‑of‑thumb estimate—not a legal determination.

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

Kentucky has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under KRS 403.200. 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: Kentucky maintenance factors — KRS 403.200.

How Kentucky calculates it

  • Calculate 30% of the higher‑earning spouse’s annual gross income.
  • Calculate 20% of the lower‑earning spouse’s annual gross income.
  • Subtract the lower‑earner amount from the higher‑earner amount to get a preliminary support figure.
  • Apply the 40% cap so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the combined income, reducing the amount if necessary.
  • Determine duration by multiplying the marriage length in months by the applicable percentage: 30% for marriages under 3 years, 50% for 3–10 years, 75% for 10–20 years, and indefinite for over 20 years.

Worked example

In the example, the higher earner makes $100,000 per year and the lower earner $40,000. Applying the rule‑of‑thumb, 30% of $100,000 is $30,000 and 20% of $40,000 is $8,000, leaving a $22,000 difference. The 40% combined‑income cap reduces this to $16,000 per year, or about $1,333 per month. For a 12‑year marriage, the duration guide for the 10–20‑year bracket is 75% of 144 months, roughly 108 months. The court is not bound by these figures.

Frequently asked questions

What factors does Kentucky consider when deciding alimony?

Kentucky courts apply the factors listed in KRS 403.200, and they will only consider maintenance if the spouse seeking support lacks sufficient property and cannot be self‑supporting.

How is the rule‑of‑thumb alimony amount calculated in Kentucky?

First, take 30% of the higher earner’s gross income, then subtract 20% of the lower earner’s gross income. If the result would give the recipient more than 40% of the combined income, the amount is reduced to meet that cap.

How long might alimony last for a 12‑year marriage in Kentucky?

The duration guide for marriages lasting 10–20 years applies a 75% factor to the total months of marriage, suggesting roughly 108 months of support.

What if the recipient’s income would exceed the 40% combined‑income cap?

The support amount is reduced so that the recipient’s total income, including the proposed alimony, does not exceed 40% of the couple’s combined income.

Has Kentucky recently changed its alimony guidelines?

Kentucky still has no statutory alimony formula; the rule‑of‑thumb shown here is a professional guideline, and there have been no recent statutory amendments to KRS 403.200.

Is the calculation different in Louisville, Lexington or Bowling Green?

No. KRS 403.200 applies statewide, so courts in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green 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 Kentucky.

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