Oregon Spousal Support Calculator
Estimated Monthly Support:
$0.00
Estimated Duration:
0 years
Total Estimated Award:
$0.00
Note: Oregon does not have a fixed mathematical formula for spousal support (ORS 107.105). This calculator uses a common practitioner's estimate (30% of the income difference for 50% of the marriage length). Actual awards are determined by a judge based on specific case factors.
How Spousal Support (Alimony) Works in Oregon
In Oregon, "alimony" is legally referred to as spousal support. Unlike child support, which follows strict state-mandated guidelines, spousal support is determined by what the court deems "just and equitable" under ORS 107.105. There is no statutory formula, meaning judges have significant discretion.
The Three Types of Oregon Spousal Support
- Transitional Support: Designed to help a spouse gain education or training to re-enter the workforce. This is common in shorter marriages.
- Compensatory Support: Awarded when one spouse significantly contributed to the education, training, or increased earning capacity of the other spouse.
- Spousal Maintenance: Typically awarded in long-term marriages (usually 15+ years) to ensure the lower-earning spouse can maintain a standard of living somewhat similar to what was enjoyed during the marriage.
Key Factors Judges Consider
While this calculator provides a baseline estimate, Oregon judges look at the following variables to finalize an award:
- The duration of the marriage.
- The age and physical/emotional health of each party.
- The standard of living established during the marriage.
- The earning capacity and work experience of each spouse.
- Child custody arrangements and how they impact earning ability.
- Financial needs and resources of each party.
Realistic Examples
Example 1: The Long-Term Marriage. If Spouse A earns $8,000 per month and Spouse B earns $2,000 per month after 20 years of marriage, a judge might award Spousal Maintenance of roughly $1,800 to $2,200 per month for a period of 10 years or even indefinitely.
Example 2: The Mid-Length Marriage. If a couple was married for 8 years, and one spouse stayed home to raise children, a judge might award Transitional Support for 3 to 4 years to allow that spouse to finish a degree or certification.
Duration of Support in Oregon
A general "rule of thumb" used by many Oregon attorneys is that support lasts for approximately half the length of the marriage. However, for marriages exceeding 20 years, support may be "permanent" (meaning until the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient).