Going through a divorce is tough, especially when it comes to money. One of the biggest questions people ask is: Will I have to pay spousal maintenance? Or will I receive it?
In Wisconsin, there’s no official formula, like in some other states. Judges look at a bunch of factors to decide what’s fair. That makes it hard to predict—but that’s where our Wisconsin Spousal Maintenance Calculator comes in. It gives you a simple estimate based on the most important pieces of your situation.
Let’s walk through how it works—and what it all means for you.
Spousal maintenance (also called alimony) is money one spouse may have to pay the other after a divorce. It’s meant to help the lower-earning spouse stay on their feet financially—especially if they stayed home with kids, earned less, or gave up work during the marriage.
It’s not automatic. The court looks at your unique situation to decide if it’s needed, how much should be paid, and for how long.
To use the calculator, just plug in a few basic numbers:
1. Payor’s Income
This is how much the higher-earning spouse makes each year, before taxes. That includes salary, bonuses, or any other income.
2. Recipient’s Income
This is what the lower-earning spouse makes each year, also before taxes. If that person doesn’t have income right now, just put in 0.
3. Length of the Marriage
How many years you were legally married. Longer marriages often lead to longer support.
4. Percentage of Income Difference
Since there’s no exact rule in Wisconsin, we estimate using a percentage of the income gap. A common guess is around 25%, but you can adjust it.
5. How Long Maintenance Might Last
This is based on a percentage of your marriage length. For example, if you were married 10 years and use 50%, the estimate is 5 years of payments.
Once you fill in your info, the calculator gives you:
Keep in mind, this is just an estimate—not a guarantee. But it gives you a ballpark idea so you’re not going into this blind.
Because there’s no set formula in Wisconsin, the court looks at lots of different things, like:
That means your case might turn out different than the calculator shows—but it’s still a great place to start.
This calculator helps you get a sense of what’s fair. But if you’re seriously considering divorce—or already in the middle of one—talking to a family law attorney is your best move. They’ll look at the full picture and give you guidance that fits your life.
Our team at O’Flaherty Law is here to help. Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today and we’ll help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
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