Alimony in Arizona
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arizona uses a formula-based approach tied to income and marriage length for spousal maintenance calculations.
How Arizona treats Alimony
Arizona applies a statutory formula under A.R.S. § 25-319: the paying spouse's monthly income is multiplied by a percentage (ranging from 15% to 30% depending on marriage length) to calculate maintenance. The formula applies when combined income is below a statutory threshold; above that threshold, courts have discretion. Maintenance duration generally ranges from 0.5 to 1 times the length of the marriage, though longer marriages may result in longer support periods. The recipient's earning capacity and financial need are also considered.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.