Dow Divorce Law
New York Maintenance & Child Support Calculator
Updated March 2026
This calculator helps estimate spousal maintenance and child support under New York law. Enter each spouse's income and relevant information below to see guideline calculations. Results are estimates only - an experienced New York divorce attorney can help you understand your specific situation.
Step 1: Basic Information
| Spouse A | Spouse B | |
|---|---|---|
| Enter names (optional): | ||
| Filing Status: |
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| Are there children of this marriage? |
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Step 2: Income
Enter annual income amounts. Use Medicare Wages from last year's W-2 for employment income.
Income from all sources must be included per the Child Support Standards Act (DRL §240).
| Income Source | Spouse A | Spouse B |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | ||
| (1) Employee income (salaries, wages, tips) | ||
| (2) Net profit from business / self-employment | ||
| (3) All other income (rental, royalties, etc.) | ||
| (4) GROSS INCOME | ||
| Additional Income (to the extent not included above) | ||
| (5) Investment income, less related expenses | ||
| (6) Workers' Compensation | ||
| (7) Disability benefits | ||
| (8) Unemployment Insurance benefits | ||
| (9) Social Security benefits | ||
| (10) Pensions and retirement benefits | ||
| (11) Fellowships and stipends | ||
| (12) Annuity payments | ||
| (13) Other (alimony from prior marriage, etc.) | ||
| (14) TOTAL INCOME | ||
Step 3: CSSA Deductions
The Child Support Standards Act requires deducting FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare) and
New York City / Yonkers income taxes from gross income before calculating support obligations.
| Deduction | Spouse A | Spouse B |
|---|---|---|
| Tax determination method: | ||
| Residence (for city tax): | ||
| FICA Taxes | ||
| Social Security tax (6.2% up to $184,500) | ||
| Medicare tax (1.45% + 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on income over threshold) | ||
| Total FICA | ||
| City Income Tax (if applicable) | ||
| NYC / Yonkers income tax | ||
| TOTAL CSSA DEDUCTIONS | ||
Step 4: Adjusted Income
| Spouse A | Spouse B | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Income (from Step 2) | ||
| Less: CSSA Deductions (from Step 3) | ||
| ADJUSTED INCOME (for maintenance) |
Step 5: Spousal Maintenance Calculation
New York's maintenance formula applies to the payor's income up to the statutory cap of $241,000.
The payor is the spouse with the higher adjusted income. Two formulas are calculated, and the lower result is the guideline amount.
| Maintenance Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Higher earner (Payor): | |
| Lower earner (Payee): | |
| Payor's adjusted income: | |
| Payee's adjusted income: | |
| Payor's income capped at $241,000: | |
| 1st Calculation | |
| 30% of payor's capped income (or 25% if child support): | |
| Minus 20% of payee's income: | |
| RESULT 1: | |
| 2nd Calculation | |
| Payor's capped income + Payee's income = Combined: | |
| 40% of combined income: | |
| Minus payee's income: | |
| RESULT 2: | |
| GUIDELINE MAINTENANCE (lower of the two, or $0): | |
| Annual amount: | |
| Monthly amount: | |
| Post-Divorce Maintenance Duration | |
| Length of marriage: | |
| Advisory duration range: | |
Reference: Maintenance Duration Guidelines
Courts use the following guidelines to determine how long post-divorce maintenance should last:
| Length of Marriage | Duration Range |
|---|---|
| 0 - 15 years | 15% - 30% of the length of the marriage |
| 15 - 20 years | 30% - 40% of the length of the marriage |
| More than 20 years | 35% - 50% of the length of the marriage |
Courts may award longer or shorter durations based on individual circumstances such as health, caregiving duties, or employability.
Reference: Child Support Percentages (CSSA)
Under the Child Support Standards Act, the following percentages are applied to combined parental income:
| Number of Children | Percentage of Combined Income |
|---|---|
| 1 child | 17% |
| 2 children | 25% |
| 3 children | 29% |
| 4 children | 31% |
| 5 or more children | 35% |
Reference: Factors Courts Consider
A court may increase or decrease maintenance or child support after weighing several factors, including:
- The income and financial capacity of both spouses
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's age and health
- Contributions made to the marriage, including homemaking and career support
- Child custody and child-support obligations
- The time and cost required for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting
- The tax consequences of maintenance to each party
- Any wasteful dissipation of marital property
- Any other factors the court finds necessary to ensure fairness
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Actual maintenance and child support awards may differ depending on case-specific facts, judicial discretion, and factors not captured by this calculator. For situations where the payor's income exceeds the statutory caps, or in complex financial circumstances, the court may apply different considerations.
Statutory caps used: Maintenance payor income cap: $241,000 | Child support combined parental income cap: $193,000 | Social Security wage base: $184,500 | Self-support reserve: $21,546 | Poverty level: $15,960.
Contact Dow Divorce Law for experienced legal guidance tailored to your specific situation.
