New York maintenance formula
How New York calculates guideline maintenance.
New York uses one of two percentage formulas depending on the child-support situation. When the higher earner will also pay child support as the noncustodial parent, the first calculation uses 20% of the payer's capped income minus 25% of the recipient's income. In the other supported branch, it uses 30% of the payer's capped income minus 20% of the recipient's income. The law also compares that result with 40% of the spouses' combined capped income minus the recipient's income and uses the lower positive amount. [1]
Use the lower applicable guideline calculation.
The 2026 payer-income cap is $241,000, and the 2026 self-support reserve is $21,546. Income above the cap can be considered separately by the court; this calculator does not predict that discretionary amount. [2]
For post-divorce maintenance, New York provides an advisory duration schedule. For marriages up to 15 years, the schedule is 15%–30% of the marriage length; for marriages over 15 and up to 20 years, 30%–40%; and for marriages over 20 years, 35%–50%. The court can use other statutory factors and is not required to select a term inside that range. [1]
Questions about the New York alimony calculation.
Does the $241,000 cap mean the payer cannot earn more than $241,000?
No. The cap limits the income used in the guideline calculation. When the payer earns more than the cap, the court can consider whether to award additional maintenance on the income above the cap. This calculator shows only the guideline component up to the cap. [1][2]
Why does child support change the maintenance formula?
Domestic Relations Law §236(B) uses a different first calculation when the higher-earning spouse is the noncustodial parent who will also pay child support for children of the marriage. This calculator asks that question instead of guessing which branch applies. [1]
Does this calculator determine New York child support?
No. The tool uses the child-support situation only to select the maintenance formula. It does not calculate a child-support payment or a combined support total.
New York alimony sources and calculator limits
- 01New York State Senate: Domestic Relations Law §236(B), maintenance
- 02New York Courts: March 1, 2026 maintenance cap and self-support reserve update
- 03New York Courts: official maintenance worksheets and calculators
- 04New York Courts: 2026 temporary spousal maintenance guidelines calculator
Public-source check: September 7, 2026. Current calculator rules release: 0.18.0. Source checking and automated testing are not attorney review or a guarantee of legal correctness.