How Long Does Maintenance Last in Missouri?
Last reviewed: March 2026
Missouri uses judicial discretion to determine maintenance duration. Court discretion based on multiple factors.
How Missouri determines maintenance duration
Missouri is an equitable distribution state. Missouri refers to spousal support as “maintenance”. Missouri does not have a statutory formula for maintenance duration. Judges have broad discretion to determine both the amount and length of maintenance based on the specific circumstances of each case.
No formula or statutory duration limits. Courts have broad discretion.
Estimated maintenance duration by marriage length
The table below shows estimated maximum maintenance duration for different marriage lengths in Missouri. These are rough estimates based on common judicial patterns, not statutory requirements. Actual duration may vary significantly.
| Marriage length | Est. max maintenance duration |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 1.7 years |
| 10 years | 3.3 years |
| 15 years | 5 years |
| 20 years | 6.6 years |
| 25 years | 8.3 years |
Important: Missouri does not have a statutory formula for maintenance duration. The estimates above are based on common judicial patterns and should be used as rough guidelines only. The court will consider your specific circumstances including income disparity, earning capacity, health, age, and standard of living during the marriage.
When does maintenance end in Missouri?
Maintenance in Missouri typically ends when:
- The court-ordered term expires
- The recipient spouse remarries
- Either party dies
- A court modifies or terminates the order due to a significant change in circumstances
In some cases, cohabitation with a new partner may also be grounds for modification or termination of maintenance in Missouri.
Is maintenance taxable in Missouri?
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, maintenance is not deductible by the payer and not taxable to the recipient under federal tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). This applies in Missouri and all other states.
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