Connecticut Alimony & Spousal Support (2026)
Unlike child support, Connecticut has no fixed formula for how much alimony (spousal support) costs or how long it lasts. A judge decides both based on a list of factors set out in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82. There is no calculator that can honestly give you an exact number here — but the factors below are what actually drives the decision.
What determines alimony in Connecticut
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82 (Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-82 (Alimony)), a court considers:
- Length of the marriage
- Causes for the annulment, dissolution of the marriage, or legal separation
- Age, health, station, and occupation of each party
- Amount and sources of income
- Earning capacity
- Vocational skills and education
- Employability
- Estate and needs of each party
- Any property division award made under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-81
- For a custodial parent, the desirability and feasibility of that parent securing employment
Good to know
- Connecticut has no statutory formula for the amount or duration of alimony — Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82 directs the court to weigh the factors above and set 'such alimony ... as the court may deem just and equitable.'
- Unlike most states, Connecticut's statute explicitly lists the 'causes for the ... dissolution' (in other words, fault) as a factor the court must consider, alongside the more common financial and health-related factors.
Also need a child support estimate?
Alimony and child support are calculated completely separately in Connecticut. If you also have children, use our free Connecticut child support calculator — that one does compute a real number, based on the official guideline formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an alimony formula in Connecticut?
No. Connecticut has no statutory formula for alimony. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-82 requires the court to consider a list of factors and award whatever amount and duration it finds 'just and equitable' — there's no percentage or calculation set by law.
What factors determine alimony in Connecticut?
Connecticut courts consider the length of the marriage, the cause of the divorce, each spouse's age, health, occupation, income, earning capacity, vocational skills, education and employability, each spouse's estate and needs, any property division award, and — for a custodial parent — the feasibility of securing employment.
Source: Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-82 (Alimony) · Last verified 2026-07-22
Disclaimer: This page explains the general legal framework for alimony in Connecticut and is for informational purposes only — it is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome of any specific case. Laws change; always verify with the official source above or a family law attorney licensed in Connecticut before making decisions.