Connecticut Alimony Estimator
Estimated Results
Note: Connecticut does not have a mandatory formula. This tool uses a common 30% guideline (Difference in Gross Income x 30%) often utilized in mediation. Actual court awards depend on judge discretion and specific factors under CT Gen Stat § 46b-82.
Understanding Alimony in Connecticut (CT)
Connecticut is an "all-property" and equitable distribution state, but when it comes to alimony (spousal support), the courts have significant discretion. Unlike child support, which follows strict mathematical tables, alimony in CT is determined by a variety of statutory factors.
How Alimony is Calculated in CT
While there is no "official" formula, many legal professionals in Connecticut use a rule of thumb for baseline discussions. A common starting point is taking 30% to 35% of the difference between the two parties' gross annual incomes. Our calculator uses the 30% threshold, which is a frequent benchmark for durational alimony in medium-to-long-term marriages.
Key Factors Under CT Gen Stat § 46b-82
When a judge decides whether to award alimony, and for how much, they must consider:
- Length of the marriage: Longer marriages typically result in longer alimony durations.
- Age and Health: The physical and emotional health of both spouses.
- Station: The standard of living established during the marriage.
- Occupation and Employability: The ability of each spouse to be self-sufficient.
- Causes for the Dissolution: In CT, "fault" can occasionally play a role in the financial outcome of a divorce.
Types of Alimony in Connecticut
1. Pendente Lite: Temporary support paid while the divorce case is still active in court.
2. Durational Alimony: Support paid for a specific period of time, often calculated as a percentage of the length of the marriage (e.g., 30% to 50% of the marriage length).
3. Lifetime Alimony: Rare today, but sometimes awarded in very long-term marriages where one spouse cannot rejoin the workforce.
4. Rehabilitative Alimony: Intended to support a spouse while they gain the education or training necessary to become self-sufficient.
Example Calculation
If Spouse A earns $150,000 per year and Spouse B earns $50,000 per year, the income difference is $100,000. Using a 30% guideline:
- $100,000 x 0.30 = $30,000 per year.
- $30,000 / 12 months = $2,500 per month.
If the marriage lasted 20 years, a court might award this for 7 to 10 years, depending on other factors like asset division and child support obligations.