Alimony

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Alimony
Statute:N.C.G.S. § 50-16.3A
DescriptionAlimony provides temporary financial support to supplement the income of a spouse that was financially dependent on the other.
TakeawayAlimony is typically 15-40% the gap in income between the spouses for 40-60% the duration of the marriage.

Alimony is financial support a dependent spouse receives from a breadwinner spouse to supplement their income.

Qualifying for Alimony

A spouse qualifies for alimony if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • They were financially dependent on their spouse during the marriage[1] to maintain the standard of living they grew accustomed to during the marriage.
  • They did not have any sexual relations with someone besides their spouse before the date of separation.[2] However, if both spouses cheated, the judge has discretion on whether to order alimony.[3]
  • An alimony award is fair under the circumstances[4]
  • Their spouse can afford to pay alimony

Amount and Duration

Contact an Attorney

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References

  1. § 50-16.3A(a). "The court shall award alimony to the dependent spouse upon a finding that one spouse is a dependent spouse..."
  2. § 50-16.3A(a). "If the court finds that the dependent spouse participated in an act of illicit sexual behavior, as defined in G.S. 50-16.1A(3)a., during the marriage and prior to or on the date of separation, the court shall not award alimony."
  3. § 50-16.3A(a). "If the court finds that the dependent and the supporting spouse each participated in an act of illicit sexual behavior during the marriage and prior to or on the date of separation, then alimony shall be denied or awarded in the discretion of the court after consideration of all of the circumstances."
  4. § 50-16.3A(a). "an award of alimony is equitable after considering all relevant factors"