Spousal Maintenance Calculator Germany
Spousal maintenance in Germany by the quota method: 45 % of the gap between both net incomes, capped by the 1,600 € self-retention (Düsseldorfer Tabelle 2026).
Net income of both partners
Higher-earning partner
Partner entitled to maintenance
Spousal Maintenance per Month
€1,035.00
€12,420.00 Per Year
Payer after maintenance
€2,465.00
before: €3,500.00
Recipient after maintenance
€2,235.00
before: €1,200.00
Quota method (45 %)
Note: Simplified quota calculation per the Düsseldorfer Tabelle 2026 (part B I.1.b): 45 % of the difference between the spouses' countable earned incomes. Against a non-working payer (e.g. a pensioner) the rate is 50 %. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is spousal maintenance owed after divorce?
Post-divorce maintenance may be owed for child care, old age, illness, education, or if the standard of living would otherwise drop significantly. It is not automatically granted.
How is spousal maintenance calculated?
Spousal maintenance is 45 % of the difference between the spouses' adjusted earned incomes (the 1/10 employment incentive is already included); against a non-working payer it is 50 %. The self-retention of the payer must be preserved.
How much must the paying spouse be left with at least?
Towards a separated or divorced spouse, the self-retention (Selbstbehalt) in 2026 is 1,600 euros a month for an employed payer and 1,475 euros for a non-employed payer (Düsseldorfer Tabelle). The calculator assumes an employed payer and caps the maintenance if it would push the payer below this amount: with incomes of 2,400 and 0 euros the quota would give 1,080 euros, but at most 800 euros must be paid. Child maintenance takes priority – deduct it from the payer's income first.
Guide
What is the Spousal Maintenance Calculator Germany?
The spousal maintenance calculator computes separation maintenance and post-marital maintenance for separated or divorced couples.
How does the Spousal Maintenance Calculator Germany work?
Enter the adjusted net incomes of both spouses. The calculator uses the quota method of the Düsseldorfer Tabelle 2026: 45 % of the difference between the countable earned incomes goes to the lower-earning partner. The 1/10 employment incentive is already built into that quota.
Key Data and Facts
Quota method: (income A - income B) x 45 % = maintenance; 50 % against a non-working payer (e.g. a pensioner). Self-retention vs. spouse: 1,600 euros if working, 1,475 euros if not. Post-marital maintenance: time-limited, depending on marriage duration and need.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate spousal support (Ehegattenunterhalt) step by step: 1. Determine the adjusted net income of both partners: Gross income minus taxes, social insurance, work-related expenses (proven individually or – depending on the guidelines of the Higher Regional Court – a flat 5 %, at most 150 EUR a month; not part of the Düsseldorfer Tabelle), child support and marriage-related debts. 2. Apply the employment incentive: 1/10 is deducted from the adjusted net earned income, so earned income counts at 90 % (Leitlinien NRW / Süddeutsche Leitlinien 2026 no. 15.2, nationwide since 01/01/2022). 3. Spousal support under the quota method: 45 % of the difference between the countable earned incomes (Düsseldorfer Tabelle 2026, part B I.1.b). Other income is split 50/50, and a non-working payer is assessed at 50 % as well. 4. Check the minimum reserve (Selbstbehalt): The person liable for support must retain at least 1,600 EUR (towards the spouse, 2026). 5. Observe the order of priority: Child support takes precedence over spousal support. 6. Time limit and capping: Post-marital support is limited in time, depending on the duration of the marriage, age and marriage-related disadvantages.
Calculation Example
Partner A: adjusted 3,500 EUR, Partner B: 1,200 EUR. Difference: 2,300 EUR. Spousal support: 2,300 x 45 % = 1,035 EUR/month. Remaining for A: 3,500 - 1,035 = 2,465 EUR (above the personal allowance of 1,600 EUR).
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- Rechtsanwaltsvergütungsgesetz (RVG)
- Bundesministerium der Finanzen (BMF)
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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