Spousal Support in North Carolina

There are two types of spousal support: post-separation support and alimony. Post-separation support is temporary support that is usually paid until an award of alimony is granted or denied. Alimony is ongoing financial support paid from one spouse to the other for a term and amount agreed upon by the spouses or ordered by the court.

Spousal support is typically paid when one spouse is financially dependent (the dependent spouse) upon the other spouse (the supporting spouse). The amount of support is based on many factors, including the parties’ financial needs, their accustomed standard of living, their incomes, and their reasonable expenses. Many other factors, such as marital misconduct, may be considered. Unlike child support, there are no “guidelines” or formulas for the appropriate amount of alimony.

Beginning January 1, 2019, spousal support payments under new agreements or court orders are not taxable to the payee or deductible to the payor in most cases.  However, spousal support payments under previous agreements or court orders or modifications of those documents may be taxable to the payee and may be deductible to the payor.

Consult with a North Carolina family law attorney at WFLG to determine whether spousal support may be a factor in your domestic matter.