Rhode Island Alimony & Spousal Support (2026)
Unlike child support, Rhode Island 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 R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16. 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 Rhode Island
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 (Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-16 (Alimony and counsel fees — Custody of children)), a court considers:
- The length of the marriage
- The conduct of the parties during the marriage
- The health, age, station, occupation, amount and source of income, vocational skills, and employability of the parties
- The state and the liabilities and needs of each of the parties
- The ability of the supporting spouse to pay, taking into account the supporting spouse's earning capacity, earned and unearned income, assets, debts, and standard of living
- Any other factor which the court expressly finds to be just and proper
Good to know
- Rhode Island law does not set a formula, percentage, or worksheet for alimony — R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 directs the court to weigh the factors above and use its discretion. Alimony is meant to give the recipient a reasonable amount of time to become self-sufficient, though the court may award it for an indefinite period in appropriate cases.
- Alimony automatically terminates upon the remarriage of the recipient; either party can later petition the court to review and alter the amount or duration.
Also need a child support estimate?
Alimony and child support are calculated completely separately in Rhode Island. If you also have children, use our free Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-16 does not provide a formula, percentage, or calculator for the amount of alimony. The family court weighs statutory factors like each spouse's health, age, income, and needs, and the length of the marriage, then decides what is "just and proper" case by case.
What factors determine alimony in Rhode Island?
Under § 15-5-16, the court considers the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties during the marriage, each spouse's health, age, occupation, income, vocational skills and employability, each spouse's liabilities and needs, the supporting spouse's ability to pay, and any other factor the court finds just and proper.
Source: Rhode Island General Laws § 15-5-16 (Alimony and counsel fees — Custody of children) · Last verified 2026-07-22
Disclaimer: This page explains the general legal framework for alimony in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island before making decisions.