2026 Alimony Data
Alimony Statistics 2026
Alimony is awarded in only 15% of divorces in 2026, continuing a decades-long decline. The shift from permanent to rehabilitative alimony reflects changing views on spousal support and women's workforce participation.
Since 2010, alimony awards have dropped 40%. Most states have reformed laws to limit permanent alimony, and courts increasingly expect both spouses to become self-sufficient.
Divorces with Alimony
15%of divorces
Declining steadily
Average Monthly Payment
$1,680per month
+4% from 2025
Women Receiving
97%of recipients
Men receiving growing
Average Duration
4.2years
Shift to rehabilitative
Types of Alimony Awards (2026)
Rehabilitative alimony has become the dominant form, accounting for 45% of awards. Permanent alimony is now rare, reserved for long marriages where one spouse cannot become self-sufficient.
| Alimony Type | % of Awards | Typical Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitative Alimony | 45% | 2-5 years | Support while gaining self-sufficiency |
| Bridge-the-Gap Alimony | 18% | 1-2 years | Transition assistance |
| Durational Alimony | 22% | 5-15 years | Moderate-length marriages |
| Permanent Alimony | 10% | Indefinite | Long marriages, older spouses |
| Reimbursement Alimony | 5% | Varies | Repaying career sacrifices |
Full Data Access
Complete Statistics Report
Get the complete United States divorce data with all 50 state comparisons
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3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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Alimony by State
Alimony varies dramatically by state. California and New York have the highest average payments, while Texas has strict limitations on alimony awards.
| State | Avg Payment | Avg Duration | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,150 | 5.2 years | No formula | Permanent rare post-2019 |
| Texas | $1,200 | 3.1 years | Cap at 20% | Most restrictive |
| Florida | $1,850 | 4.8 years | Durational | 2023 reform |
| New York | $2,400 | 5.5 years | Formula-based | Post-divorce maintenance |
| Massachusetts | $2,200 | 5.0 years | Duration caps | Based on marriage length |
| New Jersey | $2,350 | 5.8 years | Durational focus | 2014 reform |
| Illinois | $1,950 | 4.5 years | Formula: 33% | Income-based formula |
| Pennsylvania | $1,750 | 4.2 years | APL guidelines | Alimony pendente lite |
Alimony Trends (2010-2026)
The percentage of divorces with alimony has dropped from 25% to 14%, while individual payments have increased due to higher incomes of those receiving.
| Year | % Divorces with Alimony | Avg Monthly Amount | Avg Duration (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 25% | $1,250 | 6.5 |
| 2015 | 22% | $1,380 | 5.8 |
| 2020 | 18% | $1,520 | 5 |
| 2022 | 16% | $1,580 | 4.5 |
| 2024 | 15% | $1,620 | 4.2 |
| 2026* | 14% | $1,680 | 4 |
Factors Courts Consider for Alimony
Courts evaluate multiple factors when determining whether to award alimony and in what amount.
| Factor | Weight | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Length | Very High | Longer = more likely & longer duration |
| Income Disparity | Very High | Larger gap = higher payments |
| Age at Divorce | High | Older = more likely permanent |
| Health Status | High | Disabilities increase awards |
| Education/Earning Capacity | High | Limited capacity = more support |
| Standard of Living | Medium-High | Maintaining lifestyle considered |
| Career Sacrifices | High | Stay-at-home years valued |
| Child Custody | Medium | Primary parent may receive more |
| Marital Misconduct | Varies | Some states consider fault |
Men Receiving Alimony: A Growing Trend
While 97% of alimony recipients are still women, the percentage of men receiving alimony is growing as more women out-earn their husbands.
2010
3%
2015
3.5%
2020
4.2%
2022
4.8%
2024
5.2%
2026*
5.8%
Why Men Receiving Alimony is Increasing
- More women out-earning husbands (29% of couples in 2026)
- Stay-at-home dads increasing (7% of fathers in 2026)
- Gender-neutral alimony laws in all 50 states
- Courts increasingly applying laws equally
Calculate Your Potential Alimony
Splitifi's alimony calculator uses your state's formulas and guidelines to estimate potential alimony payments. Our AI also helps you understand the factors that could affect your specific case.
- State-specific alimony calculators
- Duration estimation tools
- Tax impact analysis
- Modification guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of divorces include alimony?
Only about 15% of divorces in 2026 include alimony awards, down from 25% in 2010. The declining trend reflects women's increased workforce participation, legal reforms limiting permanent alimony, and shifting societal expectations.
How much is the average alimony payment?
The national average alimony payment in 2026 is $1,680 per month. However, this varies significantly by state (California averages $2,150, Texas $1,200) and by income level. High-income divorces can see payments of $5,000+/month.
How long does alimony typically last?
Average alimony duration is 4.2 years in 2026, down from 6.5 years in 2010. Rehabilitative alimony (2-5 years) is now most common. Permanent alimony is rare, typically only for marriages of 20+ years where one spouse cannot become self-sufficient.
Can men receive alimony?
Yes, all 50 states have gender-neutral alimony laws. About 5.8% of alimony recipients in 2026 are men, up from 3% in 2010. This is expected to continue growing as more women out-earn their husbands (29% of couples).
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Alimony Statistics 2026: Spousal Support Trends & State Data." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/alimony-statistics-2026Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, State Court Administrative Offices.