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Vermont Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under Vermont’s 15 V.S.A. § 752, the 2018 amendment added guideline ranges that tie alimony amount and duration to the length of the marriage, but the statute provides no fixed formula. This tool offers a widely used rule‑of‑thumb estimate—not legal authority—based on the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers guideline.

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

Vermont has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under 15 V.S.A. § 752. 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: Vermont spousal maintenance (statutory guideline ranges) — 15 V.S.A. § 752.

How Vermont 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’s 20% amount from the higher‑earner’s 30% amount to get the initial difference.
  • Apply the cap so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the combined income, reducing the difference if necessary.
  • Determine duration by applying the marriage‑length percentage: 30% of months 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 sample case, the higher‑earning spouse makes $100,000 per year and the lower‑earning spouse makes $40,000 per year in a 12‑year marriage. Applying the rule‑of‑thumb, 30% × $100,000 equals $30,000 and 20% × $40,000 equals $8,000, yielding a $22,000 difference; the 40% cap reduces this to $16,000 per year, or roughly $1,333 per month. For a 12‑year marriage, the duration guide is 75% of 144 months, or about 108 months. Remember, Vermont courts are not bound by these figures.

Frequently asked questions

How does Vermont determine the amount of spousal maintenance?

Vermont statutes give courts discretion, but the 2018 guideline suggests starting with 30% of the higher earner’s income minus 20% of the lower earner’s income, then capping the recipient’s total income at 40% of the combined income.

Is alimony taxable in Vermont?

Vermont follows federal treatment: for divorces finalized before 2019, alimony is taxable to the recipient and deductible by the payor; for divorces after 2018, alimony is not taxable to the recipient and not deductible by the payor.

Can a marriage of less than five years still result in alimony in Vermont?

Yes. The 2018 guidelines start near zero for marriages under five years, but courts may still award maintenance if the factors in § 752 justify it.

What duration would a 12‑year marriage likely receive under Vermont’s guideline?

For a marriage lasting 10–20 years, the guideline uses 75% of the total months, which for a 12‑year marriage (144 months) equals about 108 months.

Did Vermont change its alimony rules recently?

In 2018 Vermont added statutory guideline ranges for both amount and duration, tying them to marriage length; courts use these as starting points but are not bound by them.

Is the calculation different in Burlington, South Burlington or Rutland?

No. 15 V.S.A. § 752 applies statewide, so courts in Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland 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 Vermont.

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