Your Estimated Results
Estimated Monthly Alimony
$0
Estimated Alimony Duration
Up to 0 Years
Important: This is an estimate, not legal advice. Utah courts have wide discretion. The final alimony amount is determined by a judge considering many factors not included here. Consult with a qualified Utah family law attorney for accurate legal counsel.
Four Steps to an Insightful Calculation
Our tool is designed to reflect Utah's unique alimony principles, focusing on income, expenses, and marital duration to provide a clear, initial estimate.
Enter Incomes
Input the gross monthly income for both the higher-earning (payor) and lower-earning (recipient) spouse.
Detail Expenses
Provide the essential monthly expenses for each party. This is a key part of determining need and ability to pay.
Set Marriage Length
Enter the duration of the marriage in years, as Utah law directly ties the maximum alimony term to this length.
Analyze Results
Receive an estimated monthly amount and potential duration, providing a powerful baseline for your planning.
A Tool Built for Utah Law
This calculator is more than a simple equation; it's engineered to reflect the core principles a Utah court considers when determining spousal support.
Income Equalization Model
The calculation is based on Utah's approach of attempting to equalize the net income of both parties after expenses, capped by the recipient's demonstrated need.
Duration Cap
The estimated duration is automatically capped at the length of the marriage, in direct alignment with Utah Code § 30-3-5(8)(h).
Need & Ability Analysis
By incorporating both income and essential expenses, the tool provides a more realistic estimate that reflects both the recipient's need and the payor's ability to pay.
The Purpose of Utah Alimony
In Utah, alimony (spousal support) is not a punishment. Its primary purpose is to help the recipient spouse maintain a standard of living similar to the one enjoyed during the marriage, while also taking steps to become self-sufficient.
- Fault Can Matter: Unlike many states, a Utah court may consider the fault of either party when determining alimony.
- Strict Duration Limit: Alimony payments cannot last longer than the marriage itself, providing a clear end date.
- Termination Events: Alimony automatically ends if the recipient remarries or begins cohabiting with a new partner.
Utah's 7 Statutory Alimony Factors
While our calculator provides a baseline, a judge has wide discretion. They make a final decision by weighing these seven key factors from Utah Code § 30-3-5.
Recipient's Financial Need
The court assesses the recipient's financial condition and necessary expenses. The goal is to determine the amount needed to maintain the standard of living that existed during the marriage.
Recipient's Earning Capacity
This looks at the recipient's ability to produce income. The court considers their work history, skills, education, and health to determine their potential to become self-sufficient.
Payor's Ability to Pay
The court thoroughly examines the paying spouse's income, assets, and expenses to ensure any alimony award is affordable and does not create an undue hardship for them.
Length of Marriage
A crucial factor. Longer marriages often result in longer alimony terms (up to the length of the marriage) because the recipient may have been out of the workforce longer, impacting their earning potential.
Child Custody
If the recipient spouse has custody of minor children who require support, this can impact their ability to work full-time, potentially increasing their need for alimony.
Payor-Owned Business
If the recipient worked for a business owned by the paying spouse during the marriage, the court considers this contribution when evaluating the alimony award.
Recipient's Contribution
This factor considers if the recipient contributed to an increase in the payor's skills or career (e.g., by supporting them through school). This can be a basis for a greater alimony award.
Utah Alimony FAQs
Navigating spousal support can be complex. Here are clear answers to some of the most common questions about Utah alimony law.
Yes. Spouses are strongly encouraged to reach their own agreement on alimony. If the agreement is fair and reasonable, a judge will almost always approve it and make it part of the final divorce decree.
In Utah, cohabitation means living with another person in a relationship that has the hallmarks of a marriage (sharing a home, finances, presenting as a couple). If an alimony recipient begins to cohabit with a new partner, the paying spouse can file to terminate alimony, and it will end automatically by law.
Yes. Alimony can be modified if there has been a "substantial and material change in circumstances" that was not foreseen at the time of the divorce. This could include a significant, involuntary change in either party's income, disability, or retirement.