Spousal Support in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Family Law
Minnesota applies statutory guidelines based on income and marriage length, with specific durational limits.
How Minnesota treats Spousal Support
Minnesota uses a formula that considers the income difference between spouses and the length of the marriage to determine alimony amount and duration. For marriages under 10 years, alimony duration is generally 30% of the marriage length; for marriages 10–20 years, it is 40%; and for marriages over 20 years, it may be indefinite. The payor's income cap is adjusted annually, and alimony terminates if the recipient remarries or cohabits with a romantic partner.
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 Minnesota.