Free resources · Plain language · 2026
Alimony & spousal support guides
Everything you need to understand how courts set, modify, and end alimony awards — in plain English.
How alimony is calculated
State-by-state breakdown of the formulas, factors, and caps courts use to set a spousal support amount — from NY's mandatory guideline to purely discretionary states.
8 min read
DurationHow long does alimony last?
Duration rules vary widely by state and marriage length. See the statutory tables, durational caps, and when a court can award permanent or indefinite support.
6 min read
TerminologyAlimony vs. spousal support — what's the difference?
Same concept, different names across 50 states. Learn which states call it alimony, spousal support, or spousal maintenance — and whether the name changes any of the legal rules.
5 min read
TaxesAlimony & taxes after the TCJA (2026 update)
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed who deducts alimony and who reports it as income. Here's exactly what payors and payees need to know for divorces finalized after Dec. 31, 2018.
7 min read