Quick answer: Idaho has no maintenance formula and no fixed duration. Under Idaho Code 32-705, when a divorce is decreed the court may grant a maintenance order only if it finds that the spouse seeking maintenance (a) lacks sufficient property to provide for his or her reasonable needs and (b) is unable to support himself or herself through employment. The order is then in such amounts and for such periods as the court deems just, after considering all relevant factors, which may include the spouse’s financial resources including the marital property apportioned to him or her, the time needed for education or training, the duration of the marriage, age and physical and emotional condition, the other spouse’s ability to meet his or her own needs while meeting those of the spouse seeking maintenance, tax consequences and fault. A decree on maintenance can be modified only as to installments accruing after the motion and only on a substantial and material change of circumstances.
What this calculator shows
The calculator first applies the two-part threshold, then builds a monthly ceiling from the needs and ability factors. It does not predict an award. The threshold is in the two-part threshold, the factors in the factors the court weighs and what the statute says about changing an order in modifying maintenance.
Property, child support and maintenance
Maintenance is decided with the division of the community property, and whether a property apportionment is in lieu of or in addition to maintenance is a factor for both. See the Idaho property division calculator. Spousal maintenance ordered in the current case is deducted from the payer’s income for child support; see the Idaho child support calculator.
Maintenance across Idaho
The statute applies in every Idaho magistrate and district court, from Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello or Coeur d’Alene. Because Idaho is a community property state, the marital property apportioned to the spouse seeking maintenance counts as one of that spouse’s financial resources.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Idaho?
There is no formula. The court may grant maintenance only if the spouse seeking it lacks sufficient property for reasonable needs and cannot support himself or herself through employment, and then sets amount and period as it deems just after weighing the factors in Idaho Code 32-705(2).
How long does maintenance last in Idaho?
For such periods of time as the court deems just. The statute sets no maximum or minimum duration.
Does fault matter for Idaho maintenance?
The fault of either party is one of the listed factors the court may consider.
Can Idaho maintenance be modified?
Only as to installments accruing after the motion for modification and only on a substantial and material change of circumstances.
Does a property award affect Idaho maintenance?
Yes. The financial resources of the spouse seeking maintenance include the marital property apportioned to that spouse.