Alimony, or spousal support, is paid by one party to another after a divorce. It’s determined by the courts who will decide who gets it, how much, and for how long. What else should you know about it? Take a look at two things everyone going through a divorce should know when it comes to alimony.
#1: The Court’s Considerations
The court looks at each spouse’s financial situation and ability to earn a living when determining alimony. For example, if one spouse spent a number of years out of the workforce to care for dependent children, that is a factor in the court’s decision.
The things that are generally taken into consideration when it comes to alimony in South Carolina include:
- The financial resources of each spouse
- Each individual’s estate and assets
- The ability for each individual to take care of themselves post-divorce, including the job market, job skills, and earning potential
- The time needed to develop and learn skills or obtain an education to gain employment
- The standard of living the couple created during the marriage
#2: Dependent Children
While spousal support and child support are separately assigned, children are a consideration by the court when deciding on alimony. If one spouse is responsible for primary care of minor children or care of a special needs or disabled child, it affects their ability to support themselves and the children. The courts in these cases would include that in the decision-making process. Alimony is part of the divorce process. Decided by the courts, many factors come into play. If you’re preparing for divorce, don’t go into it without a team to help you navigate the process. Contact the attorneys at McCutchen McLean, LLC for the experience and knowledge you need.
