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New Jersey Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34‑23, New Jersey courts have no statutory alimony formula, and the 2014 reform restricts open‑durational alimony to marriages of 20 years or more. This tool provides only a rule‑of‑thumb estimate, not a legal determination.

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

New Jersey has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23. 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: New Jersey alimony (2014 reform: open durational alimony only after 20 years) — N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.

How New Jersey 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 annual support figure.
  • Apply the 40% combined‑income cap so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the couple’s combined earnings.
  • Determine a guideline duration: 30% of marriage length if under 3 years, 50% if 3–10 years, 75% if 10–20 years, and indefinite only for marriages of 20 years or more.

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 if my marriage lasted 15 years?

Yes, but the guideline duration is limited to 75% of the marriage length; the court may not award an indefinite award because open‑durational alimony is reserved for marriages of 20 years or more.

How is the amount of alimony limited by income in New Jersey?

The rule‑of‑thumb caps the recipient’s total income at 40% of the combined gross income of both spouses, reducing the preliminary amount if necessary.

Is the 30%‑of‑higher‑earner minus 20%‑of‑lower‑earner formula legally binding?

No. New Jersey law gives judges discretion; the formula is a widely used guideline from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, not a statutory requirement.

What happens to alimony if my marriage was only 2 years?

The guideline suggests a duration of 30% of the marriage length, so roughly 7 months, but the court can adjust based on the statutory factors.

Do I have to pay alimony forever if my ex‑spouse earns less than me?

Only marriages of 20 years or more may receive open‑durational (indefinite) alimony. For shorter marriages, the guideline duration is a percentage of the marriage length and cannot exceed that length except in exceptional circumstances.

Is the calculation different in Newark, Jersey City or Paterson?

No. N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 applies statewide, so courts in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson 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 New Jersey.

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