Alimony and Spousal Support Lawyers
Alimony or post separation support is one of the most hotly contested areas of family law. During a marriage, spouses often take on different roles and can earn vastly different incomes. Further, one party may obtain an education or job skills during the marriage that will vastly increase his or her earning potential. After a separation or divorce, one spouse may have significant financial challenges while the other continues to enjoy a solid income. Alimony, post separation support, and spousal support generally, exists to ensure that a financially dependent spouse maintains something close to the standard of living he or she experienced during the marriage. Whether you were the supporting spouse in your marriage or were dependent on your spouse’s income, a spousal support attorney can help you negotiate a support agreement or obtain an order regarding spousal support. Contact us today to request a consultation with one of our experienced alimony lawyers!
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, a form of spousal support, refers to court-ordered or agreed upon payments awarded to a spouse or former spouse within a separation or divorce. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to the spouse in need. Alimony payments can be made either periodically or in a lump sum. In determining alimony arrangements, the court will take into account each party’s income, expenses, and a number of other factors including, but not limited to:
- The parties’ standard of living during the marriage
- The employment income and other earnings and potential income and earnings
- Each party’s reasonable expenses
How Is Alimony and Post Separation Determined?
There are no “alimony guidelines” nor are there any presumptive awards for alimony in North Carolina. Further, there is no specific limit on alimony based on the marriage’s length; however, the longer the marriage, the more likely a court will be to award spousal support. This is why it is so hard to predict an alimony award in North Carolina. Generally, in the most basic terms, court in Asheville and Western North Carolina consider whether an award of alimony is fair and equitable to both parties considering the specific circumstances of the parties. In determining alimony, courts will consider several factors such as income, expenses, the duration of the marriage, tax ramifications, any marital misconduct, and more.
Our experienced attorneys handle all aspects of family law cases in Asheville and nearly all of Western North Carolina, from mediation and settlement to litigation and enforcement. Our divorce attorneys have significant experience in spousal support negotiations, regardless of if you are the receiving party or paying party. We are here to help guide you through the process and reach the best possible outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or for answers to your questions about alimony, post-separation support and spousal support.