Going through a divorce usually results in more questions than answers, at least at first. One of the biggest worries is typically about money, particularly spousal maintenance (you might know it as alimony). How will you manage? What’s fair?
If you’re in Arizona and dealing with this, you’re likely wondering how it all works, especially with talk of worksheets and new approaches. The good news is there’s a new approach to help make spousal maintenance more consistent across the state.
Thinking about spousal maintenance is stressful, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Blake & Pulsifer, PLC, our Tempe divorce lawyers are here to help answer all your questions and make the divorce process a lot easier. Give us a call at 480-838-3000.
The “New” Approach: The Spousal Maintenance Calculator and Guidelines
Arizona now has Spousal Maintenance Guidelines and an online Spousal Maintenance Calculator, especially for cases filed on or after September 24, 2022. You will find a version of this calculator on the Maricopa County Superior Court website.
What is this Calculator?
This calculator is a tool. You (or your lawyer) plug in information like:
- Family size (including both spouses and any children they legally support).
- The income of both spouses.
- The principal portion of the mortgage payment on the marital home (if applicable).
Based on these numbers, the calculator suggests a possible amount for spousal maintenance and how long it might last. It will give you an idea of what spousal maintenance might look like in your divorce. While it gives you an estimate, the final price may be different depending on other details.
Is the Calculator’s Word Final?
Here’s a key thing to remember: the spousal maintenance calculator is a guideline, not a command. A judge in Arizona still has the final say. To determine the final amount of spousal maintenance, a judge will consider many different factors. If a judge decides to order an amount or duration that’s different from what the calculator suggests, they have to explain their reasons in writing. So, while the calculator offers a useful tool, a judge still deeply considers your specific circumstances.
Are There Cases Where the Guidelines Don’t Apply?
The guidelines and calculator are generally used for original divorce or legal separation cases filed on or after September 24, 2022.
If your divorce case was filed before this date, the guidelines might not automatically apply, although the parties could agree to use them.
For requests to change an existing spousal maintenance order (called modifications), the guidelines apply if the original case was filed on or after September 24, 2022. If the original case was filed before that date, the guidelines don’t form the basis for asking for a change, but a judge might still look at them to help decide on a new amount if a change is needed.
There are also specific exceptions to the duration ranges suggested by the calculator, such as the “Rule of 65” (where the age of the spouse seeking maintenance plus the length of the marriage is 65 or more, and other conditions are met) or cases involving a permanent disability. In these situations, the standard duration limits might not apply.
Trends We’re Seeing in 2025
As we move through 2025, the use of the guidelines and calculator continues, but a few trends and important points remain:
- Focus on Self-Sufficiency: There’s a strong emphasis on spousal maintenance being “rehabilitative.” This means its purpose is generally to help the receiving spouse get the skills or education needed to support themselves, rather than being a lifelong payment, unless specific situations really call for it (like a very long marriage where one spouse has been out of the workforce for decades).
- Duration is Key: While there’s no magic formula, the length of the marriage heavily influences how long spousal maintenance might last. You might hear that support sometimes lasts for 30% to 50% of the length of the marriage, but again, this isn’t a strict rule, and judges will look at all the factors.
- Income and Earning Capacity Matter: The court will look at what each person actually earns and what they could If someone is capable of working but chooses not to, or is underemployed, the court might consider their potential income.
- Every Case is Different: This is so important. Even with guidelines and calculators, your situation is unique. The “average” or “typical” case doesn’t really exist because the facts of every marriage and divorce are different.
- Judicial Discretion: Judges still have significant discretion. They weigh the evidence, consider the factors, and make a decision they believe is fair and just under Arizona law.
Going through a divorce is tough, and worrying about your financial future is completely normal. Many people in your shoes feel stressed by these questions. While Arizona’s spousal maintenance guidelines and calculator help make things clearer, they are just one part of a complex legal process.
Don’t Guess, Get Answers! Call Our Tempe Divorce Lawyers Today
While online tools and general information give you an idea, they do not replace advice tailored to your unique situation. The best way to find out what you might expect and to protect your interests is to talk with an experienced Arizona divorce lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Arizona family law.
If you’re facing these questions, reach out. Let’s talk about your circumstances and how we will help you move forward. Call Blake & Pulsifer today at 480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form to get started.
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