South Dakota Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support (maintenance) amount and duration in South Dakota. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Judicial discretion state
$0
estimated monthly spousal support ·
Educational estimate, not legal advice. Alimony in South Dakota is discretionary — actual awards vary widely by judge and circumstances.
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How alimony works in South Dakota
South Dakota does not use a fixed statutory formula for alimony amounts. Judges weigh statutory factors — length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Our calculator uses the AAML guideline formula (30% of payor's income minus 20% of recipient's) that attorneys commonly use for ballpark estimates.
Governing law: SDCL § 25-4-41 — Statute authorizes a 'suitable allowance' as the court 'may deem just'; amount, duration, and even the categories are entirely case-law driven.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not use a fixed statutory formula for alimony amounts. Judges weigh statutory factors — length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Our calculator uses the AAML guideline formula (30% of payor's income minus 20% of recipient's) that attorneys commonly use for ballpark estimates. See SDCL § 25-4-41.
How long does alimony last in South Dakota?
Duration is generally tied to the length of the marriage. Short marriages (under ~5 years) typically produce short-term or no support; long marriages (20+ years) can produce long-term support. South Dakota courts set duration case-by-case.
What types of alimony does South Dakota recognize?
South Dakota recognizes: general, rehabilitative, reimbursement. Statute authorizes a 'suitable allowance' as the court 'may deem just'; amount, duration, and even the categories are entirely case-law driven.
Is alimony taxable in South Dakota?
For divorces finalized after 2018, federal law (TCJA) makes alimony non-deductible for the payer and non-taxable for the recipient. A few states differ for state income tax — confirm with a tax professional.
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