Disclaimer: Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 36-5-121) does not use a fixed mathematical formula for alimony. Judges have broad discretion based on many factors. This tool provides an estimate based on common judicial trends and income disparity models. It is not legal advice.
How Alimony is Determined in Tennessee
In Tennessee, alimony (spousal support) is not guaranteed and is based primarily on one spouse's demonstrated need and the other spouse's ability to pay. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-5-121, courts consider several factors when deciding the nature, amount, and duration of support.
The Four Types of Alimony in TN
Rehabilitative Alimony: Designed to help a spouse become self-sufficient through education or training. This is the preferred type of alimony in Tennessee.
Alimony in Futuro (Periodic Alimony): Long-term support usually reserved for long-term marriages where there is a significant disparity in earning power that cannot be closed through rehabilitation.
Transitional Alimony: A short-term form of support used when rehabilitation is not necessary, but the spouse needs help adjusting to the economic consequences of divorce.
Alimony in Solido (Lump Sum): Often used to balance out property division, this is a definite amount paid either at once or in installments over a set period.
Key Factors Judges Consider
While this calculator uses income disparity, Tennessee judges evaluate:
The relative earning capacity and financial resources of each party.
The duration of the marriage (Short-term: < 7 years; Moderate: 7-15 years; Long-term: 15+ years).
The age and mental/physical condition of each spouse.
The standard of living established during the marriage.
Provisions made regarding the marital property division.
The relative fault of the parties (adultery or desertion can impact awards in TN).
Calculation Example
If a couple was married for 18 years, and Spouse A earns $8,000 monthly while Spouse B earns $2,000 monthly, the income disparity is $6,000. In a "Long-Term" marriage, a court might award 25% to 35% of that difference ($1,500 – $2,100) for a period lasting 30% to 50% of the marriage length (approx. 5.5 to 9 years), depending on the specific facts of the case.
function calculateTNAlimony() {
var payorIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("payorIncome").value);
var recipientIncome = parseFloat(document.getElementById("recipientIncome").value);
var marriageYears = parseFloat(document.getElementById("marriageYears").value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById("result-box");
if (isNaN(payorIncome) || isNaN(recipientIncome) || isNaN(marriageYears)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all fields.");
return;
}
var incomeDiff = payorIncome – recipientIncome;
if (incomeDiff <= 0) {
document.getElementById("monthlyAmount").innerHTML = "$0";
document.getElementById("alimonyDuration").innerHTML = "0 years";
document.getElementById("marriageType").innerHTML = "N/A (No income disparity)";
resultBox.style.display = "block";
return;
}
// Determine Marriage Classification
var classification = "";
var durationFactor = 0;
if (marriageYears = 7 && marriageYears = 15 && marriageYears < 25) {
classification = "Long-Term";
durationFactor = 0.45; // 45% of marriage length
} else {
classification = "Very Long-Term";
durationFactor = 0.55; // 55% of marriage length
}
// Estimate Amount: Standard disparity range is 25% to 35% of the difference
var lowEstimate = incomeDiff * 0.25;
var highEstimate = incomeDiff * 0.35;
// Estimate Duration
var estimatedYears = (marriageYears * durationFactor).toFixed(1);
// Display Results
document.getElementById("monthlyAmount").innerHTML = "$" + lowEstimate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 0}) + " – $" + highEstimate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 0});
document.getElementById("alimonyDuration").innerHTML = estimatedYears + " years (Approximate)";
document.getElementById("marriageType").innerHTML = classification;
resultBox.style.display = "block";
}