Who can get alimony during a North Carolina divorce?

A divorce can disrupt many parts of a North Carolina resident’s life. With the end of their marriage may come a move to a new residence, a new schedule with their children, and even an alteration in their financial status. That is because many spouses rely on each other’s income to sustain their lives.

When an individual does not have their own income or means to support themselves after their divorce, they may be eligible for alimony. This post will discuss some of the conditions that must be met for a person to be awarded alimony, but readers are reminded that this post does not provide any legal advice. Questions about money and divorce can be asked of readers’ trusted family law and divorce attorneys.

Alimony criteria

Alimony is not for individuals who are self-supporting. It is for people who are financially disadvantaged by divorce. To qualify for alimony, a North Carolina resident must meet the following criteria:

• Dependence: The recipient of alimony must financially depend on their soon-to-be ex and need support to maintain their standard of living.
• Need: The recipient of alimony must need the support from their soon-to-be ex to live following their divorce.

Readers should understand, though, that sexually illicit behavior committed during marriage may influence if a person is eligible to receive alimony.

Building a case for alimony

Not all spouses are willing to pay their exes alimony, and because of this, those who need it may have to fight to be awarded support. This can be challenging, and individuals and their attorneys often must present evidence of why the parties need alimony to survive following their divorces. It is important that divorcing parties know their rights and responsibilities during the divorce process, and their trusted legal counselors can help them make good decisions about their divorce-related matters.