Alimony in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Family Law
Minnesota applies a statutory formula for alimony based on income and marriage duration, with specific caps and durational guidelines.
How Minnesota treats Alimony
Minnesota uses a formula: alimony equals 25% of the paying spouse's income minus 50% of the receiving spouse's income, capped at 40% of combined income. Duration depends on marriage length—marriages under 3 years receive alimony for 50% of the marriage duration, marriages 3–10 years for 60%, and marriages over 10 years for 70% to indefinite support. The court can deviate from the formula if it finds it unjust, considering factors like age, health, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. Alimony terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the receiving spouse.
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 Minnesota.