Spousal Support in Arizona
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arizona uses a statutory formula for spousal maintenance duration based on marriage length, with income caps and specific percentages.
How Arizona treats Spousal Support
Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-319 establishes a formula-based approach: maintenance duration ranges from 0.2 to 1.0 times the length of marriage, depending on whether the marriage lasted less than 10 years or 20+ years. The amount is calculated as a percentage (typically 20–40%) of the higher-earning spouse's income minus the lower-earning spouse's income, subject to a combined income cap. The court may deviate from the formula if it finds the result unjust or if the marriage lasted 20+ years, in which case duration may be indefinite. Maintenance terminates upon remarriage or death of either party.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support 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.