This tool calculates potential spousal support payments in Wisconsin based on your specific financial information.
How to Use the Spousal Support Calculator
Enter the supporting spouse’s monthly income, the supported spouse’s monthly income, the number of years the couple was married, the number of minor children, and whether any spouse has health issues. Press the “Calculate” button to get an estimate of the spousal support.
The calculator takes into account the difference in incomes, the duration of the marriage, the number of minor children, and any health issues either spouse may have. This provides a general idea of potential spousal support, but actual amounts may vary based on specific circumstances and judicial discretion.
How the Calculator Works
The calculator performs the following steps:
- Calculates the difference between the supporting and supported spouse’s incomes and takes 20% of this amount.
- Adjusts the base spousal support amount based on the duration of the marriage:
- If the marriage lasted more than 10 years, it increases the amount by 50%.
- If the marriage lasted less than 5 years, it reduces the amount by 50%.
- Adjusts the amount based on the number of minor children, increasing it by 10% for each child.
- If either spouse has health issues, it increases the amount by 20%.
Limitations
This calculator provides an estimation for spousal support and may not reflect the actual amount ordered by the court. It considers basic financial factors and does not account for all potential legal considerations or discretion applied by a judge. For a precise assessment, consult with a legal professional.
Use Cases for This Calculator
Length of Marriage
In Wisconsin, one of the primary factors influencing spousal support is the length of your marriage. If your marriage lasted for a significant duration, you may find that you are entitled to a higher amount of support, as longer marriages often create greater financial interdependencies.
Income Disparities
When one spouse earns significantly more than the other, spousal support may be necessary to maintain a balanced standard of living after the divorce. If you are the lower-earning spouse, you could be eligible for support that bridges the financial gap and assists in achieving financial stability.
Education and Employment Skills
You may have sacrificed your education and career for your spouse’s professional needs or the upbringing of your children. In such situations, the court considers spousal support to help you gain the necessary skills or education to re-enter the workforce effectively.
Health Considerations
Your health status can greatly affect your ability to work and maintain financial independence post-divorce. If you have chronic health issues or disabilities, the court may decide that spousal support is warranted to provide you with necessary resources for ongoing care and living expenses.
Custodial Responsibilities
When you have primary custody of your children, your ability to work may be limited due to parenting responsibilities. In this case, spousal support can provide essential financial support, allowing you to care for your children without jeopardizing your financial security.
Standard of Living
The court pays close attention to the standard of living established during the marriage. If you are accustomed to a high standard of living, spousal support can help ensure that you are able to maintain a similar lifestyle after the divorce, at least for a transitional period.
Contributions to Marriage
Your non-monetary contributions to the marriage, such as homemaking or care for family members, are also considered. If you have dedicated time and effort to support your spouse’s career or manage the home, you might receive spousal support for your sacrifices.
Financial Needs vs. Ability to Pay
The court evaluates both your financial needs and your spouse’s ability to pay. If your needs are clear and your spouse has the financial means to support you without undue hardship, you could be in a strong position to receive spousal support.
Duration of Support
The length of time for which you may receive spousal support can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. In some cases, support may be awarded for a limited time to allow you to gain independence, while in others, especially in longer marriages, it may be permanent.
Modification of Support
As circumstances change, you may find the need for spousal support to also change. The state allows for modification of support orders if there is a significant change in either party’s financial situation, which means your support could be increased or decreased based on new facts.