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How Spousal Support Is Handled In North Carolina

A divorce is similar to a business dissolution. The court considers each party’s financial stability in the division of assets and legal responsibilities. In some cases, this means one party will need to continue providing financial support to another when the divorce is final through spousal support (commonly known as alimony).

At Maitland & Stiffler Law Firm, PLLC, we work with clients to preserve their rights and financial stability throughout the divorce process and after. Every case is different, with unique assets and financial contributions to consider. Not all cases will involve spousal support or alimony payments. We will discuss your case personally with you so you can gain a full understanding of the law, your responsibilities and what we can do to make sure you come out ahead.

Resolving Conflicts And Obtaining Favorable Results

To individuals, marriage is about personal relationships and families. Under the law, however, it is about legal responsibilities for assets, debts and child care. Spousal support is one of the more contentious disputes in divorce proceedings. People either want to reduce the amount they have to pay or they want to collect more.

Calculating support payments requires analysis of many factors, such as:

  • Each party’s current job status and income level: If one individual simply needs help getting back on his or her feet because of unemployment issues or other financial hardships, the other may need to continue financial support for a designated period of time.
  • Each party’s job skills and opportunities for employment: Many families have one parent stay home to care for children while the other remains employed. This can adversely influence his or her ability to return to the job market, and therefore affect the calculation of spousal support payments on an ongoing basis.
  • Each party’s heath care needs: One individual may have relied on his or her spouse’s health care policy in order to receive necessary treatments. Furthermore, health issues may influence his or her ability to earn income. Spousal support may need to be adjusted to reflect these challenges.

Alimony may be paid for a designated period of time (i.e., until the spouse gets remarried or achieves a certain income level independently), rather than indefinitely. All of these details need to be addressed in your spousal support agreements.

Talk With Us Today About Your Options

Before you take a specific stand against your spouse, discuss your options for a favorable outcome with our experienced Chapel Hill lawyers at Maitland & Stiffler Law Firm, PLLC. Reach us online or by phone at 919-944-4757 to schedule a consultation.