Spousal maintenance (often called alimony) in Missouri is court-ordered financial support paid by one former spouse to the other after divorce or legal separation. Under Missouri law (Revised Statutes of Missouri, §452.335), maintenance is not automatic — it is awarded only when the requesting spouse demonstrates a lack of sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs and an inability to support themselves through appropriate employment. This page is a neutral information resource – we are not a law firm, but we help you understand maintenance types, legal factors, typical ranges, and when to consult a Missouri family law attorney.
Missouri courts can award two primary forms of maintenance. The type depends on the circumstances and the need for future modifiability:
| Type | Description | Modifiability |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Maintenance | Ongoing payments (monthly) for an indefinite duration. This is the most common form of maintenance in Missouri. It can be modified later if circumstances change substantially. | Modifiable (upward, downward, or termination) upon a showing of substantial and continuing change. |
| Limited (or Rehabilitative) Maintenance | Fixed amount for a specific duration, intended to help a spouse become self‑sufficient through education, training, or job search. | Generally non‑modifiable as to duration; the fixed term is final. |
📌 Note: Missouri does NOT have a strict formula or percentage guideline for maintenance. Judges apply a 12-factor test under §452.335.2.
Missouri courts do not use a mathematical formula. Maintenance is based on need (the requesting spouse's reasonable expenses) and ability to pay (the other spouse's income and assets after their own reasonable expenses).
Periodic maintenance: Indefinite duration; continues until court modification, death of either spouse, or remarriage of the recipient (remarriage automatically terminates periodic maintenance under Missouri law).
Limited (rehabilitative) maintenance: Fixed term as ordered by the court (e.g., 24 months). Ends automatically at the end of the term.
Periodic maintenance – Yes, upon a showing of substantial and continuing change in circumstances (e.g., job loss, disability, significant income increase, cohabitation that reduces need).
Limited maintenance – Generally not modifiable as to duration, though unpaid amounts may be enforced.
Periodic maintenance automatically terminates upon the death of either spouse or the remarriage of the recipient. Cohabitation with a third party does not automatically terminate maintenance in Missouri, but it may be grounds for modification if it reduces the recipient's financial needs.
Missouri does not have a statutory maintenance guideline or calculator. However, many family law practitioners use a "needs vs. ability" approach: the recipient's reasonable monthly expenses minus their own income and earning capacity, subject to the payor's ability to pay. Below are general illustrative ranges based on marriage length and case law — these are not guarantees.
⚠️ These figures are illustrative only. Actual maintenance varies significantly by county (e.g., St. Louis County, Jackson County, Greene County), judge, income disparity, and specific needs. Many Missouri judges consider the "reasonable needs" budget of the recipient as a starting point.
Under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), for divorce or separation agreements executed after December 31, 2018, maintenance payments are not deductible by the payor and not taxable to the recipient. This applies to all Missouri maintenance orders issued after 2018. Missouri has a state income tax (rates from 0% to 4.95% as of 2026), and Missouri follows federal treatment: maintenance is not deductible on Missouri returns and not included in Missouri adjusted gross income for post‑2019 orders. For pre‑2019 agreements, the old rules (deductible/includable) may still apply.
IRS Publication 504 post‑2019 decree Always consult a tax professional for individual advice.
Hiring a lawyer for a spousal maintenance dispute (or to negotiate a settlement) requires understanding typical rates. Below are average hourly rates and retainers for Missouri family law attorneys based on independent research (2026–2026 data).
| Missouri metro area | Average hourly rate (family law) | Typical retainer (contested maintenance) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis (St. Louis City/County) | $340 – $500 | $3,500 – $8,500 |
| Kansas City (Jackson/Clay/Platte) | $320 – $480 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| Springfield (Greene Co.) | $270 – $410 | $2,200 – $5,500 |
| Columbia (Boone Co.) | $260 – $400 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Jefferson City / Mid-Missouri | $240 – $380 | $1,800 – $4,500 |
| Rural Missouri counties | $200 – $330 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Many attorneys offer free or low‑cost initial consultations. For uncontested divorces with an agreed maintenance amount, flat fees may range $1,500 – $3,500. Contested periodic maintenance cases involving vocational experts or financial evaluations can cost significantly more ($7,000 – $20,000+).
📘 Source: independent survey of Missouri family law attorneys (2026). Rates vary based on experience, case complexity, and county.
The Missouri Bar offers a lawyer referral service. Low‑income individuals may qualify for free legal aid through Legal Services of Missouri (Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, etc.).
No. Missouri does not use a mathematical formula or percentage guideline. Courts apply a 12‑factor test under §452.335.2, focusing on need and ability to pay.
There is no minimum marriage length. However, short marriages (under 5 years) rarely result in periodic maintenance; they may result in limited rehabilitative maintenance if a spouse sacrificed career or education.
Income disparity alone does not guarantee maintenance. You must also show that you lack sufficient property to meet your reasonable needs and cannot support yourself through appropriate employment.
Periodic maintenance can be modified upon a substantial and continuing change of circumstances. Limited (rehabilitative) maintenance is generally not modifiable as to duration.
Remarriage of the recipient automatically terminates periodic maintenance by law. Cohabitation does not automatically terminate maintenance, but it can be grounds for modification if it reduces the recipient's financial need.
For post‑2018 orders, maintenance is not deductible by the payor and not taxable to the recipient under federal law. Missouri follows federal treatment; maintenance is not included in Missouri adjusted gross income for post‑2019 decrees.
We are an independent information platform, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, nor are we an attorney referral service. This content explains Missouri spousal maintenance concepts, statutory factors, and common practices to help you better understand your options. Every case is unique. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified Missouri family law attorney.
📘 Sources: Missouri Revised Statutes §452.335, The Missouri Bar, family law practitioner interviews (2026), and independent legal research.