Alimony · Delaware · Caps or time limits
Alimony in Delaware
In Delaware only a dependent spouse can receive alimony, and the Family Court sets the amount and length from ten listed factors, without regard to marital misconduct. Alimony may last no longer than half the length of the marriage unless the marriage lasted 20 years or more.[1]
Key facts: alimony in Delaware
| How the law sets it | Caps or time limits[1] |
|---|---|
| Key rule | Up to 50% of the marriage’s length (no limit after 20+ years)[1] |
| Law last checked | October 26, 2026 |
The key limit
Up to 50% of the marriage’s length (no limit after 20+ years)[1]
Delaware law sets limits but no formula for the amount, so there's nothing to calculate: the court decides within them.
From the official text
What Delaware law says about alimony
Plain-English summaries of Delaware’s statute and court rules as of the date shown on each, with the quoted text. Not legal advice: laws change and courts apply them case by case.
The statute
13 Del. C. § 1512
The main alimony statute: the court weighs 10 listed factors.[1]
13 Del. C. § 1512 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“The alimony order shall be in such amount and for such time as the Court deems just, without regard to marital misconduct, after consideration of all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:”
How long it lasts
Up to 50% of the marriage’s length (no limit after 20+ years)
A person is eligible for alimony for no more than half the length of the marriage, except that there is no time limit after a marriage of 20 years or longer.[1]
13 Del. C. § 1512 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“A person shall be eligible for alimony for a period not to exceed 50% of the term of the marriage with the exception that if a party is married for 20 years or longer, there shall be no time limit as to such party's eligibility”
When it applies
Only a dependent party
Alimony is available only to a party who depends on the other for support, lacks enough property for reasonable needs, and cannot support themselves through appropriate employment (or is caring for a child whose needs keep them home).[1]
13 Del. C. § 1512 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“A party may be awarded alimony only if such party is a dependent party after consideration of all relevant factors contained in subsection (c) of this section”
When it ends
Ends at death, remarriage or cohabitation
Unless the parties agree otherwise in writing, future alimony ends when either party dies or the recipient remarries or cohabits.[1]
13 Del. C. § 1512 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“Unless the parties agree otherwise in writing, the obligation to pay future alimony is terminated upon the death of either party or the remarriage or cohabitation of the party receiving alimony.”
While the case is pending
Interim alimony while the case is pending
The court may award interim alimony to a dependent party while a divorce or annulment is pending.[1]
13 Del. C. § 1512 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“The Court may award interim alimony to a dependent party during the pendency of an action for divorce or annulment.”
Divorce in Delaware: waiting period, residency and property rules →
Questions about alimony in Delaware
Is there an alimony calculator for Delaware?
No. Delaware law doesn't set alimony by formula: in Delaware only a dependent spouse can receive alimony, and the Family Court sets the amount and length from ten listed factors, without regard to marital misconduct. Alimony may last no longer than half the length of the marriage unless the marriage lasted 20 years or more. — 13 Del. C. § 1512[1]
How long does alimony last in Delaware?
A person is eligible for alimony for no more than half the length of the marriage, except that there is no time limit after a marriage of 20 years or longer. — 13 Del. C. § 1512[1]
When does alimony end in Delaware?
Unless the parties agree otherwise in writing, future alimony ends when either party dies or the recipient remarries or cohabits. — 13 Del. C. § 1512[1]
States with an alimony formula
Not legal advice. MediationList is a directory of court-listed mediators, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Summaries follow the official text as of the date checked; courts apply it case by case.
Sources
Delaware’s statute and court rules, read on the official site, with the date we checked each.