StateTally

Utah Alimony Calculator (2026)

Utah Code § 81-4-502 caps alimony duration at the length of the marriage unless extenuating circumstances apply, and judges measure the recipient's need against the standard of living at separation. Because Utah has no statutory formula, this tool provides a widely used American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers rule‑of‑thumb estimate—not a legal determination.

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

Utah has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under Utah Code § 81-4-502 (formerly § 30-3-5). 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: Utah alimony (duration capped at the length of the marriage) — Utah Code § 81-4-502 (formerly § 30-3-5).

How Utah 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.
  • Apply a cap so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the combined income.
  • Determine a rule‑of‑thumb duration: 30% of marriage length if under 3 years, 50% if 3–10 years, 75% if 10–20 years, indefinite if over 20 years.

Worked example

In the example, a higher‑earning spouse making $100,000 per year and a lower‑earning spouse making $40,000 per year in a 12‑year marriage yields a rule‑of‑thumb alimony of $30,000 minus $8,000 = $22,000 per year, which the 40% combined‑income cap reduces to $16,000 per year, or about $1,333 per month, and the duration guide suggests 75% of the 144‑month marriage, roughly 108 months.

Frequently asked questions

How long can alimony last in Utah?

Utah law caps alimony at the length of the marriage unless the court finds special circumstances; the rule‑of‑thumb suggests a duration of 75% of the marriage length for marriages between 10 and 20 years.

Is alimony taxable in Utah?

Utah follows federal treatment: alimony received is taxable income to the recipient and deductible by the payer, but the state does not impose a separate alimony tax.

Can a short‑term marriage still receive alimony?

Yes, but the duration is limited to the marriage length; the rule‑of‑thumb would apply 30% of the marriage length for marriages under three years, resulting in a relatively brief support period.

What if the recipient’s income already meets the 40% cap?

The rule‑of‑thumb caps the support so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the combined income, which could reduce or eliminate the estimated payment.

Did Utah recently change its alimony guidelines?

The statutory cap on duration (the marriage length) has been in place for years; there have been no recent statutory changes, though courts continue to apply the same standard‑of‑living and need factors.

Is the calculation different in Salt Lake City, West Valley City or Provo?

No. Utah Code § 81-4-502 (formerly § 30-3-5) applies statewide, so courts in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo 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 Utah.

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