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Michigan Alimony Calculator (2026)

MCL 552.23 makes clear that Michigan has no statutory alimony formula; judges weigh a list of case‑law factors when setting spousal support. Because there is no set equation, many Michigan attorneys start negotiations with the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers rule‑of‑thumb: 30% of the higher earner’s gross income minus 20% of the lower earner’s, capped so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the couple’s combined earnings, with a duration tied to the length of the marriage. This tool provides only an estimate, not a legal determination.

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

Michigan has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under MCL 552.23. 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: Michigan spousal support factors — MCL 552.23.

How Michigan calculates it

  • Identify the higher‑earning spouse’s annual gross income and calculate 30% of that amount.
  • Identify the lower‑earning spouse’s annual gross income and calculate 20% of that amount.
  • Subtract the lower‑earner portion from the higher‑earner portion to get a preliminary support figure.
  • Apply the 40% cap: if the recipient’s total income would exceed 40% of the combined income, reduce the support amount accordingly.
  • Determine duration by marriage length: under 3 years → 30% of months, 3–10 years → 50%, 10–20 years → 75%, over 20 years → indefinite.

Worked example

In the example, the higher earner makes $100,000/year and the lower earner $40,000/year in a 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

How does Michigan decide the amount of alimony?

Michigan courts consider the factors listed in MCL 552.23—such as each party’s income, earning capacity, and the marriage’s length—rather than a fixed formula.

Is alimony taxable in Michigan?

Alimony received is taxable federal income, but Michigan does not have a state income tax on alimony; it is treated like any other taxable income for federal purposes.

Can the rule‑of‑thumb amount be adjusted?

Yes. The 30%‑minus‑20% estimate is only a starting point; the court can raise or lower the amount based on the statutory factors.

How long will alimony last for a 12‑year marriage?

Under the guideline, a 12‑year marriage falls in the 10–20‑year bracket, suggesting support for about 75% of the marriage’s months—roughly 108 months.

What changed recently in Michigan alimony practice?

The law itself hasn’t changed—Michigan still lacks a statutory formula—but more attorneys are using software estimates like this rule‑of‑thumb to streamline negotiations.

Is the calculation different in Detroit, Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor?

No. MCL 552.23 applies statewide, so courts in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor 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 Michigan.

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