Spousal Support

There are two methods that spousal support can be awarded in North Carolina. Post-Separation Support (PSS) is spousal support paid after the date of separation and can be for any amount of time until an alimony order is entered. Alimony is a payment for the financial maintenance of a dependent spouse by a supporting spouse from the date of divorce to some future point in time. There are many nuances to determining if support should be paid, the right amount of support, how it shall be paid, and when it shall be paid.  In North Carolina, PSS is intended to assist a former spouse to maintain, as closely as possible, the marital standard of living.  Spousal support is not intended to be punitive but marital misconduct under the law may be considered. Alimony is commonly referred to as Permanent Spousal Support. There are no guidelines to assist a judge to make an award for alimony like the child support guidelines do. This becomes complicated very quickly.