Typically, the judge will take 20% of the lower-earning spouse's income and subtract that number from 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income. For example, one spouse makes $100,000, and the other makes $20,000. Thirty percent of $100,000 is $30,000, and 20% of $20,000 is $4,000.
In New York, spousal support/ maintenance is determined by a guideline calculator based upon the income of the two parties and the length of their marriage. The Court is allowed to deviate from the guideline amount based on a number of potential rebuttal factors, however, such deviations are rare.
The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.
In most cases, if a spouse can work and their former spouse cannot afford to provide spousal support, the court can deny alimony. It is pertinent to note that New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning both parties could cite fault grounds, however, it will not affect whether a spouse is granted spousal maintenance.
NYC Spousal Support Calculation In 2021, the cap was $192,000. Effective March 1, 2022, the spousal support cap will be $203,000. If the payor-spouse's income is more than $203,000, the court uses the standard formula for the income up to and including the income cap.
New York's equitable distribution law specifies that you are entitled to a division of all “marital property” assets that were acquired during the marriage. With few exceptions, marital property generally includes both spouses' income, purchases made with that income, and retirement benefits.
Typically, the judge will take 20% of the lower-earning spouse's income and subtract that number from 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income. For example, one spouse makes $100,000, and the other makes $20,000. Thirty percent of $100,000 is $30,000, and 20% of $20,000 is $4,000.
Last Updated: April 18, 2025 If you don't have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record.
A spouse is awarded maintenance if they lack sufficient income to provide for their needs. Various factors are taken into consideration by the court as to whether or not maintenance will be granted, including: The length of the marriage. The age and health of the spouses.