There is no hard and fast formula that the Court uses to calculate spousal support. Instead, the Court has broad discretion to consider a wide array of factors when determining the proper amount of support, such as the marital standard of living, the earning capacities of each spouse, the living expenses for each spouse, and which spouse is the primary caretaker for any children.
When determining the amount of support, the Court will generally attempt to set an amount that will permit each spouse to maintain the standard of living that was established during the marriage. Courts will also often attempt to structure support awards to insure that both spouses are eventually self-sufficient and can maintain the marital standard of living on their own.