Divorce is a challenging life event, and one of the most complex aspects to navigate in Wyoming is alimony—also known as spousal support. Since Wyoming law gives judges broad discretion, there is no fixed formula for calculating alimony. However, understanding the types, factors, and judicial considerations can help you estimate your potential payments or entitlements.
What Is Alimony in Wyoming?
Alimony is a court-ordered financial support that one spouse may be required to pay the other during or after a divorce. Its purpose is to ensure that a lower-earning or non-earning spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living following the end of a marriage.
In Wyoming, alimony is not automatic. The spouse seeking alimony must request it in the divorce filing, and the judge will determine eligibility and amount based on various factors.
📂 Types of Alimony in Wyoming
Wyoming law recognizes several forms of alimony depending on the needs and situation of the parties:
1. Temporary Alimony
Awarded during the divorce process to provide support until the divorce is finalized.
2. Rehabilitative Alimony
Designed to help a spouse become self-supporting by acquiring education or job skills. This is the most commonly awarded type.
3. Permanent Alimony
Rare, but may be granted in long-term marriages where one spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age, illness, or disability.
4. Lump-Sum Alimony
A one-time payment, often used to offset unequal property division or to finalize support obligations immediately.
⚖️ Legal Factors Considered in Wyoming Alimony Cases
Wyoming statutes (Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-114) don’t provide a mathematical formula. Instead, judges assess a range of equitable factors, including:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Age and health of both spouses
- Education level and employability
- Financial resources and income
- Contributions to the marriage (childcare, homemaking, education)
- Marital fault (may be considered in limited circumstances)
Each alimony case in Wyoming is highly individualized.
📏 How Is Alimony Calculated in Wyoming?
🔢 No Official Calculator
Wyoming does not use a standardized alimony formula, but lawyers and mediators may use estimation tools to negotiate fair support amounts. A Wyoming Alimony Calculator may use this unofficial method:
Example Estimation Formula (not legally binding):
Alimony = (30% of Payor’s Gross Income) – (20% of Recipient’s Gross Income)
This guideline helps approximate support but is not enforceable in court. It can, however, be useful in settlements or mediation.
🕒 Alimony Guideline Duration in Wyoming
There’s no statutory duration for alimony in Wyoming. Judges usually consider:
- Short marriages (under 5 years) – minimal or no support
- Moderate-length marriages (5–10 years) – temporary or rehabilitative alimony
- Long-term marriages (10+ years) – longer-term or permanent support may be considered
Judges may specify a fixed term, tie alimony to a specific goal (like finishing a degree), or keep it open-ended in rare cases.
💵 Alimony Guideline Amount
Since there’s no fixed chart, the amount is based on:
- Recipient’s financial need
- Payor’s ability to pay
- Lifestyle during the marriage
- Efforts made by the recipient to become self-supporting
Judges aim for fair and sustainable payments, often leaving room for future modifications.
✅ When Alimony Is Generally Appropriate
Alimony is usually appropriate when:
- One spouse sacrificed career opportunities for the family
- There’s a significant income disparity
- The recipient needs time to acquire new skills or reenter the workforce
- The marriage lasted a substantial amount of time
❌ When Alimony May Not Be Appropriate
A court may deny alimony if:
- Both parties earn similar incomes
- The marriage was brief
- The dependent spouse has significant assets or earning potential
- There is proof of misconduct that affects financial equity
💰 Definition of “Income” for Alimony Purposes
Wyoming considers both actual and potential income when calculating alimony. This includes:
- Wages, salaries, tips
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses and commissions
- Rental and investment income
- Retirement and pension payments
- Social Security and disability benefits
A spouse cannot voluntarily remain unemployed to avoid alimony obligations.
💍 Effect of Remarriage on Alimony
Under Wyoming law:
- If the recipient remarries, alimony usually terminates unless the court order states otherwise.
- Cohabitation does not automatically terminate alimony but may be grounds for modification.
- The payor’s remarriage does not affect alimony unless it significantly changes their financial situation.
🔁 Declining Balance Approach to Spousal Support
In many Wyoming cases, alimony awards follow a declining schedule. Payments may decrease as the recipient gains employment or becomes self-sufficient.
Example Decline:
- Year 1–2: $1,500/month
- Year 3–4: $1,000/month
- Year 5: $500/month
This approach aligns with rehabilitative goals.
📚 Wyoming Decisions Affecting Alimony Guidelines
Wyoming case law shapes how courts apply alimony:
- Grosskopf v. Grosskopf (2005) – Confirmed courts may consider education and homemaking contributions
- Scheer v. Scheer (1998) – Reinforced use of rehabilitative alimony
- Shields v. Shields (2013) – Clarified modification standards based on changes in financial status
These decisions stress equity, need, and capacity to pay.
🔎 Standard vs. Unique Considerations in Wyoming
✅ Standard:
- Need vs. ability to pay
- Marital standard of living
- Duration of marriage
🔄 Unique:
- Wide judicial discretion without formulas
- Judges may weigh marital misconduct differently by district
- Emphasis on rehabilitation and personal responsibility
Each judge may interpret statutes slightly differently, making legal counsel essential.
🧑⚖️ Trusted Divorce Attorneys in Wyoming
Experienced attorneys can help with alimony negotiation, litigation, or modifications. Top-rated firms include:
- Fuller & Semerad Law Firm – Casper, WY
- Cowboy Country Law – Cheyenne, WY
- The Wages Group – Rock Springs, WY
- Skoric Law Office – Cody, WY
- Chapman Valdez & Lansing – Laramie, WY
Most offer free consultations and experience in family court.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is alimony guaranteed in a Wyoming divorce?
No. You must request alimony, and the court will decide based on your circumstances.
2. Is marital misconduct a factor?
Yes, though Wyoming courts use it selectively.
3. Can alimony be modified?
Yes. Either party can request a modification due to substantial life changes.
4. What if my ex doesn’t pay alimony?
You can file a contempt motion, and the court may order wage garnishment or other penalties.
5. Can we agree on alimony without going to court?
Yes. Couples may use mediation or settlement agreements, subject to court approval.
6. Is alimony taxed?
Post-2019 divorces: Alimony is not taxable income to the recipient and not tax-deductible for the payor.
7. Can men receive alimony?
Absolutely. Alimony in Wyoming is gender-neutral.
8. How long do I have to request alimony?
You must request it during the divorce proceedings—not after.
📄 Wyoming Legal Resources & Links
- Wyoming Judicial Branch – Family Law
- Wyoming State Bar Lawyer Directory
- Wyoming Statutes – Title 20: Domestic Relations
- Wyoming Legal Aid
🔄 Updates: 2020 to 2025
✅ Recent Trends in Wyoming Alimony Law:
- 2020–2021: COVID-19 increased modification cases due to job loss
- 2022: Courts emphasized evidence-based requests (budgets, tax returns)
- 2023: Greater emphasis on self-sufficiency and short-term awards
- 2024: More judicial training on equitable alimony application
- 2025: Ongoing discussions about standardizing estimation models or issuing judicial guidelines
No major legislation has redefined alimony law yet, but reform conversations are ongoing.
📝 Conclusion
While there is no official Wyoming alimony calculator, understanding the key legal principles and judicial preferences can help estimate outcomes and prepare your case. Whether you’re negotiating privately or in court, a strong understanding of need, ability to pay, and duration is essential.
Always consult a Wyoming divorce attorney to evaluate your specific situation and ensure a fair, enforceable support arrangement.