divorce attorney charlotte nc when should i ask for alimony

by Mabelle Kertzmann 7 min read

Courts in North Carolina can order one spouse to pay alimony, or spousal support, to the other during the separation period and after a divorce. Unlike child support, there is not a black-and-white formula to determine the amount of spousal support or how long it should continue.

Full Answer

What qualifies you for alimony in NC?

Either spouse can receive alimony if they meet one of two criteria: The spouse can't meet their own reasonable financial needs without the other spouse's income or assets. The spouse can't maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage without the other spouse's income or assets.

How long do you have to be married to get alimony in North Carolina?

In most cases, the court will award alimony for the duration of half the length of the marriage. For example, if a couple was married for 10 years, the dependent spouse would get 5 years of alimony. But, the court may deviate from this at any time depending on the circumstances of each spouse.Mar 11, 2021

When can a wife ask for alimony?

If the husband's income goes up after a court has awarded a permanent alimony, the wife can ask for a higher alimony if she is unable to maintain herself with the existing maintenance amount. One of the most important rights under divorce and matrimonial laws is the right to receive and claim alimony (maintenance).

How do you get alimony in a divorce in NC?

Qualifying for Post-Separation Supportfinancial needs of both spouses.the marital standard of living.present employment income and other recurring earnings from each spouse.each spouse's income-earning abilities.separate and marital debt obligations of each spouse.each spouse's necessary expenses, and.More items...

What determines if a spouse gets alimony?

If the wife is not earning, the court will consider her age, educational qualification and ability to earn to decide the amount of alimony. If the husband is disabled and is unable to earn and the wife is earning, then the court grants alimony to the husband.Jan 27, 2020

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in NC?

What is a spouse entitled to in a divorce in NC? A spouse is typically entitled to some amount of alimony or spousal support, depending on the decision of the NC divorce courts. A spouse may also be entitled to a 50/50 split of marital property if so decided by the courts.

Do I have to support my wife after divorce?

As long as the couple remains married, the court does not set a time limit on spousal support. Maintenance on the other hand, is support the higher-earning spouse pays after the divorce is finalized.Jul 12, 2016

How can I avoid paying alimony?

Now let's discuss How to avoid Alimony in India?If the Wife is Accused of Adultery. ... Get the Marriage Over With As Soon As Possible. ... If Wife Earns Well. ... If You Prove That They Don't Need It. ... If You Have Physical Disabilities. ... Change How You Live. ... If Your Spouse Has Started Living With New Partner.

Does a husband have to support his wife during separation?

As for spousal support, common-law couples are entitled to spousal support after having lived together for three years, or if they have a child together, as long as the relationship was of some permanence. Married spouses are presumed to be immediately entitled to spousal support, if one spouse has the need for it.

Can a working wife get alimony?

As noted, alimony is generally based largely on what each of the divorcing spouses "reasonably earn." That means that if a person is deliberately working at a job that pays less than what he or she could earn, the courts will sometimes figure the alimony amount based on a higher figure, in what is referred to as ...

Who pays alimony in divorce?

Alimony is court-ordered support paid by one spouse to the other for a period of time after a divorce. Alimony is paid by a spouse who has the ability to pay to a spouse in need of support for a period of time. Only people who are divorcing or are divorced can ask for and receive alimony.

Do you have to file for separation before divorce in NC?

In NC you must be separated for at least one full year before you can file for divorce.

What time does the Charlotte office open?

While their Charlotte office is open on workdays from 8 AM to 5 PM, it might be simpler if you at least outlined your case for them either through the form available on their site or by dialing (704) 931-5535.

Why are lawyers praised?

They are praised not just for their determination, but also for their ‘bedside manner’ in handling delicate divorces. Since this is one of the areas of law where emotions are always running high, tactfulness and compassion are by no means irrelevant traits in an attorney who might be representing you.

Is PRJC PC a good divorce lawyer?

With an impeccable 5.0 stars on Google Reviews and an excellent rating on Avvo, PRJC PC is very well-liked by their clients, who seem to regard this legal team as highly efficient, diligent, and affordable. Aside from a lot of professional praise they have received, these divorce lawyers also seem to have struck a personal note with many of their clients, getting stellar reviews.

Is divorce a pain in the ass?

Divorce, even when it’s your best option, is a pain in the ass. The outcome of the trial will influence everything from how often you will get to see your children and whether you will have to deal with support alimony, to what your relationship with your former spouse is going to be like. With that in mind, it’s difficult to overstate ...

Does Avvo have a strong presence?

While they don’t have a strong presence on various review platforms, what reviews they did get on Avvo and Google tell a story of extreme professionalism, excellent client relations, and a personal touch that never impeeds on their efficiency and dedication.

What happens if you and your spouse cannot agree on alimony?

If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on the issue of alimony, the court will decide it for you. To get started with resolving the matter, it is best to retain the services of a reliable Charlotte alimony attorney who can guide you and represent you in negotiations or in court.

How to determine if alimony is awarded?

Courts will look at many factors in determining the awarding of alimony, such as: 1 How long the marriage lasted; 2 The ages and conditions of the spouses; 3 Marital misconduct; 4 What each spouse earns and their capacities for income; 5 Who will be the custodial parent in the case of minor children; 6 The standard of living maintained during the marriage; and 7 Whether one spouse contributed to the earning capacity of the other through training or education.

What factors determine the award of alimony?

Courts will look at many factors in determining the awarding of alimony, such as: How long the marriage lasted; The ages and conditions of the spouses; Marital misconduct; What each spouse earns and their capacities for income; Who will be the custodial parent in the case of minor children;

What is alimony in a marriage?

Alimony, also called spousal support, is the financial support that the higher-earning spouse pays a dependent spouse for living expenses. It is generally based on the idea that the dependent spouse earns less and is thereby less able to maintain the accustomed standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.

Is divorce a stressful experience?

Everyone knows that divorce is a stressful, life-changing experience. Having a trusted legal advisor in your corner can help to reduce some of the difficulty. Our Charlotte alimony attorneys offer sensitive and dedicated legal support that can ease the way through this challenging time.

Can a dependent spouse get alimony?

In order to be awarded alimony, a dependent spouse must show that he or she cannot maintain the lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage without the financial support of the other spouse. However, if the dependent spouse engaged in adultery during the marriage, he or she will likely not be eligible for support.

What does it mean to get divorced in Charlotte NC?

Getting a divorce signifies the end of your marriage and the start of a new beginning. You may want to cut all ties with your spouse and move forward to a fresh start. Paying alimony to your spouse in your Charlotte, NC, family law case can be that one lingering factor that ties you to your spouse well into the future.

What can a family law attorney do for alimony?

Having a family law attorney in Charlotte, NC, on your side during your alimony proceedings can help reduce your overall payments and provide evidence that supports your claims that your spouse is financially able to support themselves. Working with a family law attorney can make the process of filing for a divorce easier and quicker as they will guide you through each phase of the legal proceedings.

Can I work with a third party mediator?

Depending on the state you live in and the type of relationship you have with your spouse , you may be able to work with a third-party mediator to come up with a solution that works well for everyone involved.