If divorce is something on your mind, whether you are the primary income earned in your marriage or not, you have likely considered how spousal support laws could impact you.
Each state has its own laws on spousal payments. Here is some information on what courts in North Carolina consider when awarding support from one spouse to another and how to send those payments.
1. What courts consider when making alimony decisions
In most instances when the dependent spouse has had illicit sexual relations outside of the marriage, a judge will not award any spousal support. This is true even in instances in which one spouse demonstrates a financial need for alimony. If the supporting spouse had relations outside of the union, the judge will likely award support to the dependent spouse. In the event that both spouses or neither spouse had illicit relationships, the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, earning capacities, who is the custodial parent and the current living standard.
2. How payment arrangements work
After the court sets the figure for alimony, the parties can work out how the payment should occur. Options include one lump payment, quarterly or monthly compensation or sending funds via wage garnishments. Some judges may allow supporting spouses to pay with the transfer of property as well, depending upon the couple’s financial circumstances.
Divorce is never easy, especially when it could significantly impact your lifestyle. Judges in North Carolina take numerous factors into consideration when making these decisions.