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Maryland Alimony Calculator (2026)

Maryland Family Law § 11‑106 requires judges to consider a list of factors rather than follow a fixed formula, and the state strongly favors rehabilitative, time‑limited alimony. This tool provides only a rule‑of‑thumb estimate—not a legal determination—based on the widely cited American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers guideline.

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

Maryland has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 11-106. 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: Maryland alimony factors — Md. Code, Fam. Law § 11-106.

How Maryland calculates it

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

Worked example

For a higher earner making $100,000/year and a lower earner making $40,000/year in a 12‑year marriage, the rule‑of‑thumb calculates 30% × $100,000 = $30,000; 20% × $40,000 = $8,000; the difference is $22,000/year, which is reduced to $16,000 by the 40% cap, yielding roughly $1,333/month as a starting point. The duration guide for a 12‑year marriage (10–20 years bracket) applies 75% of 144 months, resulting in about 108 months of support. The court is not bound by any of these figures.

Frequently asked questions

How does Maryland decide the amount of alimony?

Maryland judges weigh the factors listed in Fam. Law § 11‑106, but many use the AAML guideline of 30% of the higher earner minus 20% of the lower earner, subject to a 40% combined‑income cap.

Can alimony be awarded indefinitely in Maryland?

Indefinite alimony is rare in Maryland and generally requires a finding of an unconscionable disparity in living standards or the recipient’s inability to become self‑supporting.

Is alimony taxable in Maryland?

Maryland follows federal treatment: alimony received is taxable to the recipient and deductible by the payor for divorces finalized before 2019; for later divorces, the payor cannot deduct and the recipient does not include it in income.

How long might alimony last for a five‑year marriage in Maryland?

For a marriage of 3–10 years, the guideline suggests a duration of 50% of the marriage length, so roughly 30 months (2.5 years) under the rule‑of‑thumb.

What recent trends affect Maryland alimony calculations?

Recent case law emphasizes rehabilitative alimony and the need for a clear showing of a lasting disparity before granting long‑term or indefinite support.

Is the calculation different in Baltimore, Columbia or Annapolis?

No. Md. Code, Fam. Law § 11-106 applies statewide, so courts in Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis 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 Maryland.

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