Two kinds of spousal support
North Carolina splits spousal support into two stages. Post-separation support is short-term help paid while the case is still moving. Alimony is the longer-term support a court decides at the end.
Both begin with the same question, whether one spouse is a dependent spouse who actually relies on the other, and whether the other is a supporting spouse with the means to pay.
What the court considers
There is no set formula for alimony in North Carolina. A judge weighs a list of statutory factors, among them:
- Each spouse's income and earning ability
- How long the marriage lasted and the standard of living during it
- The age and health of each spouse
- Contributions one spouse made to the other's education or career
- Marital misconduct by either spouse
- Each spouse's needs and financial obligations
How misconduct can change the outcome
Conduct during the marriage can matter. If the supporting spouse committed adultery, a court must award alimony to a dependent spouse, while adultery by the dependent spouse generally rules it out. When both strayed, the decision is left to the court.
When alimony can change or end
Court-ordered alimony can often be modified after a substantial change in circumstances, and it generally ends if the receiving spouse remarries or cohabits, or on the death of either spouse.
How Mr. Bsk can help
Whether you expect to pay or receive support, Mr. Bsk gives you a straight read on the factors and how they apply to you. Call 336-222-8330.
Common questions
Is there an alimony formula in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina uses no fixed formula. A court weighs the dependent and supporting spouse roles and a list of statutory factors.
Does adultery change alimony in North Carolina?
It can. Adultery by the supporting spouse can require an award to a dependent spouse, while adultery by the dependent spouse can bar it. If both committed adultery, the court decides.
What is post-separation support?
It is temporary spousal support paid while the case is pending, before the court decides any longer-term alimony.