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Annette R. Heim is ready to assist with your Family Law case. We place the needs of our clients above all else and provide honest and direct communication throughout every step of your case.
Spousal Support in North Carolina
Spousal support, commonly known as alimony, is one of the most difficult issues that can arise in a North Carolina divorce. That is because no presumed percentages or state online calculators have been established to facilitate the computation of this issue. It also pits one spouse’s financial needs against the other spouses’ ability to pay. This can be difficult to decide. North Carolina laws on this issue allow courts to grant alimony in certain cases where a dependent spouse can prove this financial support is needed and that the other spouse does have the financials resources to provide it.
Fighting for or against spousal support can be a divisive and challenging proposition. If you are in need of representation on either side of this issue, The Law Offices of Annette R. Heim, P.A. can help. Our firm’s practice is almost entirely devoted to divorce and family law for clients in Concord and throughout Cabarrus and Stanly Counties. We bring experience, dedication, and proven skills to helping you seek a fair and just spousal support outcome in the family law court system.
Spousal support in North Carolina can be awarded on a temporary or more permanent basis. Post-separation support, formally called pendent lite, is a type of temporary financial payment made to the less financially-advantaged or dependent spouse by the other spouse prior to the divorce finalization. This temporary support is meant to help the dependent spouse cover his or her living expenses while the divorce is pending.
Once the divorce has been finalized, the dependent spouse may be awarded another form of temporary support designed to help him or her become self-supporting. This type of support is meant to give the receiving spouse enough time and resources to gain education or work skills necessary to becoming self-supporting and independent. Once that is accomplished, it will be terminated. In rare cases, courts will grant permanent alimony to a spouse who will never be able to become financial independent because of advanced age or a disability.
Courts will look at numerous factors when deciding whether alimony will be awarded. These factors include but are not limited to:
- Whether either spouse has engaged in sexual misconduct, any other type of marital misconduct, or substance abuse during the marriage
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s earning capabilities, sources and amounts of income
- Each spouse’s age and health
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Child custody arrangements
- Other relevant factors
Contact The Law Offices of Annette R. Heim, P.A.
Courts have wide discretion in determining whether alimony will be granted and, if so, the amount and duration. Having the representation of an experienced family law attorney in your corner for this issue is invaluable when seeking a fair result. Our Concord spousal support/alimony lawyer has a successful track record in helping countless individuals reach a positive result in this matter.
Discuss your case for spousal support with our Concord attorney by connecting with us at (704) 912-0353 or by submitting your contact details online.
See Why Clients Choose the Law Office of Annette R. Heim
Annette is a personal friend and once was my attorney. I am proud to know her.
- Richard G.
We understand the need for upfront, clear, and concise information during these emotional times. Every family law matter is different and requires a unique approach to the people involved. Regardless of the type of case we will get through this together. After years of experience, we can honestly say that being a part of the client’s legal support system during this trying time can be quite joyful, as we always get to see them grow in their own character, strength and perseverance.
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