Which statement best describes spousal maintenance as presented?

• A. It is fixed by a strict formula with no discretion
• B. It employs a mathematical formula based on incomes and the court has discretion to determine duration
• C. The court caps maintenance at a fixed percentage of income with no deviation
• D. It is unrelated to the pre-separation standard of living

Answer: (B)

Spousal maintenance is guided by a starting point that uses a mathematical framework based on the parties’ incomes and earning capacities, but the court retains discretion to decide how long payments continue. That combination—a formulaic basis for the amount, plus judicial flexibility to tailor duration to the specifics of the case—best reflects how maintenance is commonly determined.

The other descriptions are too rigid or inaccurate: there isn’t a universal fixed formula with no discretion, nor a fixed percentage cap with no deviation, and maintenance typically takes into account the standard of living established during the marriage.