Calculating Alimony in Maryland Divorces

If you are thinking of getting a divorce in Waldorf, Maryland, one of the most urgent questions is: how much alimony will I receive or have to pay? There is no formula for Maryland alimony or any sort of mathematical alimony calculator in Maryland. However, a couple of States DO have formulas that can be used in a “rule of thumb” manner. The top-rated Maryland divorce and family law attorneys here at the Law Office of Robert Castro have a lot of experience in prosecuting and defending Maryland divorce proceedings. As a practical matter, the alimony awards often fit within these formulas. However, there is no guarantee. Maryland divorce courts have between 11 and 15 factors that they must consider in making an award of alimony, and every divorce case is different. For a consultation, call us at (301) 870-1200. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

The formulas used for calculating alimony in other states use the spouses’ income as the base for the calculations. For some background, in modern times, alimony is used to close the “financial gap” between the spouses post-divorce and to help the “financially weaker” spouse become “self-supporting” over time. So, the higher-earning spouse — the one who is financially stronger — pays alimony regardless of their sex. “Fault” for divorce has become less important in Maryland and other states, although “fault” is still a factor that Maryland divorce courts can use in making an award of alimony. In other words, Maryland divorce courts can still “punish” an at-fault spouse by ordering a higher alimony award.

With respect to the formulas, generally, the goal seems to be to increase the income of the lower-earning spouse to somewhere between 40% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s income. We will use the Pennsylvania formulas as our example. The Pennsylvania formula uses net earnings, which deduct taxes and other payments. Let’s use a hypothetical involving two spouses, one making $200,000 annually and the other earning $50,000 net. The Pennsylvania formula also factors in children and child support, but let’s assume our spouses have no children.

The Pennsylvania formula calculates alimony to be the difference between 33% of the paying spouse’s net income and 40% of the receiving spouse’s net income. So, in our example, 33% of $200,000 is about $66,000, and 40% of $50,000 is $20,000. Subtracting $20,000 from $66,000 leaves us with $46,000 in annual alimony (or about $4,000 a month). With the alimony, the lesser-earning spouse now has an annual income of $96,000, which is just shy of 50% of the other spouse’s annual income. In States where an alimony formula is used, the formula provides the base amount, and alimony is adjusted according to unique circumstances (like specific ongoing medical needs, etc.)

To repeat, there is no Maryland alimony formula or Maryland divorce calculator like the one used in Pennsylvania. But, it is useful to think about alimony in this manner, and this can be used as a “rule of thumb” guide for what you might expect in your Maryland divorce.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland family law and divorce lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Divorce lawyers. Our address is