New York State Divorce Calculator: Estimating Alimony, Child Support, and Property Division

Legal Mar 15, 2025 4 Add to Reading List

Divorce can be financially complicated, and many couples wonder how much they will pay or receive in spousal support (alimony), child support, and property division. A New York State Divorce Calculator helps estimate these financial obligations based on state laws and court guidelines.

If you’re considering a divorce in New York, understanding how these calculations work can help you plan for your financial future and navigate the divorce process more smoothly.

What Is a New York State Divorce Calculator?

A divorce calculator is an online tool that estimates:

Spousal support (alimony) – Payments from one spouse to another based on income and marriage length.
Child support – Payments based on parental income and number of children.
Property division – An estimate of how marital assets may be split under New York’s equitable distribution laws.

These calculators provide general estimates but do not replace legal advice from a divorce attorney.

How Does a New York Divorce Calculator Work?

A divorce calculator applies state-specific formulas to estimate spousal and child support payments.

1. Spousal Support (Alimony) Calculator

New York courts use a formula to calculate temporary and post-divorce maintenance under Domestic Relations Law § 236(B). The formula varies based on whether child support is involved.

Example Calculation for Spousal Maintenance:

Spouse A’s income: $120,000
Spouse B’s income: $40,000
Marriage duration: 15 years
Estimated spousal maintenance: $1,500–$2,500 per month (varies based on court factors).

2. Child Support Calculator

New York follows the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) to determine payments:

1 child – 17% of combined parental income
2 children – 25% of combined parental income
3 children – 29% of combined parental income
4 children – 31% of combined parental income
5+ children – At least 35% of combined parental income

Example Calculation for Child Support:

Parent A’s income: $80,000
Parent B’s income: $40,000
Combined income: $120,000
1 child (17%) → Total child support obligation: $20,400 per year
Parent A’s share (67%) → Pays $13,668 per year in child support.

The court may adjust payments based on childcare costs, health insurance, education, and other expenses.

3. Property Division Estimator

New York follows equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. A divorce calculator estimates:

Marital home equity split
Division of retirement accounts (401(k), pensions, IRAs)
Business and investment division
Debt allocation (mortgages, loans, credit cards)

While calculators provide estimates, court rulings and negotiations ultimately determine asset division.

Limitations of a New York Divorce Calculator

A divorce calculator provides rough estimates, but actual support payments and asset distribution depend on:

Hidden assets or debts
Tax implications of asset transfers
Financial misconduct by either spouse
Special needs of children
Judicial discretion in complex cases

For accurate calculations, consulting a New York divorce attorney is recommended.

Where to Find a New York Divorce Calculator

Several websites offer free New York divorce calculators, including:

New York State Child Support Calculator – Available through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
Spousal Maintenance Calculator – Provided by New York family law firms and legal aid organizations.
Divorce Financial Planning Tools – Found on law firm websites and financial planning resources.

How to Use a Divorce Calculator Effectively

✔️ Gather Financial Information – Have income statements, tax returns, and debt records ready.
✔️ Adjust for Unique Circumstances – Consider custody, special needs, and future earning potential.
✔️ Consult a Lawyer – Use estimates as a starting point, but get legal advice for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

A New York State Divorce Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating spousal support, child support, and asset division. However, every divorce is unique, and court rulings, negotiations, and financial factors impact the final outcome.