Spousal Support Data
Alimony Statistics
Comprehensive data on spousal support payments, duration, trends, and factors affecting alimony awards. Data sourced from census records, court filings, and legal research.
Divorces with Alimony
10%of all divorces
Average Monthly Alimony
$1,528per month
Average Duration
3-5years
Women Receiving
97%of recipients
Types of Alimony
Different types of alimony serve different purposes and have varying durations. Understanding the type awarded affects financial planning.
Rehabilitative
45% of awards 2-5 years
Support while recipient gains education/job skills
Permanent/Lifetime
15% of awards Until death/remarriage
Long marriages, older spouses, health issues
Bridge-the-Gap
20% of awards 6 months - 2 years
Short-term transition assistance
Durational
15% of awards Set period
Fixed term based on marriage length
Reimbursement
5% of awards Until paid
Repayment for supporting spouse through school/career
Alimony by State
Alimony laws and typical awards vary significantly by state. Some states have eliminated permanent alimony, while others still allow it.
| State | Avg Monthly Payment | Tax Deductible (2019+) | Permanent Alimony |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $1,850 | No | Yes |
| Texas | $1,200 | No | Limited |
| Florida | $1,450 | No | Eliminated 2023 |
| New York | $1,680 | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts | $1,750 | No | Limited |
| Illinois | $1,520 | No | Yes |
| New Jersey | $1,620 | No | Limited |
| Pennsylvania | $1,380 | No | Yes |
Alimony by Gender: Changing Trends
While women remain the overwhelming majority of alimony recipients, the percentage of men receiving spousal support is slowly increasing as gender roles evolve and more women become primary earners.
| Year | Women Receiving | Men Receiving |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 98.5% | 1.5% |
| 2010 | 97.8% | 2.2% |
| 2015 | 97.2% | 2.8% |
| 2020 | 96.5% | 3.5% |
| 2023 | 96.1% | 3.9% |
| 2025* | 95.8% | 4.2% |
Key Insight
While still rare, the number of men receiving alimony has nearly tripled since 2000 (from 1.5% to 4.2% projected). This reflects:
- More women as primary breadwinners (29% of couples)
- Gender-neutral alimony laws in all states
- Stay-at-home dads increasing (7% of fathers)
- Courts recognizing equal rights in support
Alimony Duration by Marriage Length
The length of marriage is one of the most important factors in determining alimony duration. Many states use formulas based on marriage length.
| Marriage Length | Typical Alimony Duration | % Receiving Alimony |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 0-2 years | |
| 5-10 years | 2-4 years | |
| 10-15 years | 3-6 years | |
| 15-20 years | 5-10 years | |
| 20+ years | Indefinite possible |
Alimony Tax Law Changes (2019)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 significantly changed how alimony is taxed for divorces finalized after December 31, 2018.
Before 2019
PayerTax deductible
RecipientTaxable income
After Dec 31, 2018
PayerNOT tax deductible
RecipientTax-free
Important Note
Divorces finalized before 2019 retain the old tax treatment unless specifically modified. The tax change shifted the tax burden from recipients to payers, which may affect negotiated amounts.
Factors Courts Consider for Alimony
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Marriage | Critical | Longer marriages typically result in longer/larger awards |
| Income Disparity | Critical | Difference in earning capacity between spouses |
| Standard of Living | High | Courts try to maintain marital standard of living |
| Age & Health | High | Older/health-impaired spouses may receive more support |
| Education/Career Sacrifice | High | Giving up career to support family/spouse's career |
| Child Custody | Medium | Primary caretaker status can affect award |
| Marital Misconduct | Varies | Relevant in some states (fault-based) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average alimony payment?
The average alimony payment in the U.S. is approximately $1,528 per month. However, this varies significantly based on state, income levels, and marriage duration. High-income divorces can see payments of $5,000-$20,000+ per month.
How long does alimony last?
Alimony duration depends on marriage length and type. Rehabilitative alimony typically lasts 2-5 years, while marriages over 20 years may receive indefinite support. Many states cap alimony at 50% of the marriage length.
Can men receive alimony?
Yes, all states have gender-neutral alimony laws. About 4% of alimony recipients are men, and this percentage is growing as more women become primary breadwinners and more men serve as stay-at-home parents.
Is alimony tax deductible?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is NOT tax deductible for the payer, and recipients don't report it as income. Pre-2019 divorce agreements retain the old tax treatment.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Alimony Statistics: Spousal Support Data, Trends & Analysis." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/alimony-statistics