How estimates are calculated
Not all states are equal. Here is exactly what each estimate type means and how much legal weight it carries.
Estimate types
Every result on this site displays one of five badges. The badge tells you how closely the number tracks what a court would actually produce.
⚖ Statutory guideline (NY, IL)
The calculator applies the same arithmetic the court is required to use. A guideline result is legally grounded — if you run the same inputs through the court's own worksheet, you should get the same number.
- New York: DRL §236(B)(5-a) — two formulas (with/without child support), 40% combined-income cap, 2026 income cap of $241,000.
- Illinois: 750 ILCS 5/504 — 33.33%/25% net-income formula, 40% cap, statutory duration table (20%–80% of marriage length).
Even guideline states have limits: IL uses net income (we approximate), and NY applies judicial discretion above the income cap.
⚠ Temporary guideline (CA)
California has no statewide post-divorce formula. Many counties apply a local model (most commonly the Santa Clara guideline) for temporary support only. Post-divorce (long-term) support is entirely at the court's discretion under Family Code §4320's 14-factor test.
This estimate is a common approximation — not law. Obtain a DissoMaster calculation from a California attorney for an accurate temporary-support figure.
🔒 Cap / eligibility (TX, FL and others)
Some states impose a hard eligibility gate, a dollar cap, or a duration ceiling — but no formula for the amount within the cap.
- Texas: Marriage must typically be ≥10 years. Amount is capped at min($5,000, 20% of gross). The cap is a ceiling; courts award based on documented need.
- Florida: 2023 reform eliminated permanent alimony. Duration caps vary by marriage length (50%/60%/75%). Amount is purely discretionary.
📋 Advisory formula (CO and others)
A few states publish advisory guidelines — the formula exists and courts must acknowledge it, but are not bound by the result. Wave 2 of this site will implement CO and VA advisory formulas.
~ Benchmark only (all other states)
The remaining 40+ states determine support through multi-factor judicial discretion with no statutory formula. This calculator applies the AAML model (30% of payor's gross minus 20% of payee's gross, ±25%) as a rough orientation.
This number has no legal standing in discretionary states. It is a conversation starter for your attorney — not a prediction of what a court will order.
What the calculator cannot model
- Property division and its effect on need
- Imputed income (earning capacity vs. actual earnings)
- Business income, stock options, or irregular compensation
- Tax consequences (pre-2019 divorces may have different rules)
- Marital fault where it affects amount (some states)
- Local judicial practices within a state
- Existing support orders that affect the calculation