Spousal Support (Alimony) in Vermont
Most Vermont couples negotiate maintenance and submit agreed terms for approval. If litigated, the court decides amount, duration, and structure using statutory factors.
Is there a formula in Vermont?
There is no official maintenance calculator in Vermont. Judges consider need and ability to pay, marital standard of living, length of the marriage, ages/health, earning capacity, and how long it reasonably takes to become self-supporting.
A quick way to estimate temporary support
Temporary estimate = 40% of the higher earner’s net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner’s net monthly income.
This is a negotiation tool, not law. Example: If net incomes are $6,500 and $2,700, 40% of $6,500 ($2,600) minus 50% of $2,700 ($1,350) suggests $1,250 per month. Adjust for insurance shifts, childcare, major debt, or seasonal income.
Types of spousal support
Temporary (pendente lite) maintenance helps during the case. Rehabilitative maintenance supports education or training to restore earning capacity. Longer-term maintenance may apply in longer marriages where self-support is uncertain. Lump-sum/buyout options can replace monthly payments by agreement.
What support covers and what it doesn’t
Maintenance is transition help as two households form. It is not punishment and does not duplicate child support, which is calculated separately.
Ways to structure payments
Consider monthly step-downs, a lump-sum buyout, property/retirement offsets, or targeted expense payments like COBRA, rent, or tuition. Many couples secure obligations with life-insurance for the maintenance term.
How Hello Divorce can help
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Vermont divorce forms for you with our divorce plans—and we can help you calculate or negotiate support with our mediators and financial pros.
FAQs
Is there an official maintenance calculator in Vermont?
No. Vermont has no mandated calculator; courts apply statutory factors.
How long does maintenance last in Vermont?
It depends. Rehabilitative or longer-term terms are tailored to the marriage, budgets, and paths to self-support.
Can maintenance be modified?
Often yes, if your order allows it and there is a substantial change in circumstances; parties may agree to non-modifiable terms.
