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North Carolina Alimony Calculator – Spousal Support Tool

Supporting Spouse Gross Monthly Income

Dependent Spouse Gross Monthly Income

Marriage Duration (Years)

Illicit Sexual Misconduct

None / N/A By Dependent Spouse By Supporting Spouse

Live Calculation

Income Differential $6,000

Base Alimony Need $1,500

Duration Adj. +20%

Misconduct Factor Neutral

Est. Monthly Alimony

$1,800

for approx. 6-9 years

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational illustration only and is not legal advice. North Carolina alimony is highly complex. Factors like standard of living, assets, and health are also considered. Marital misconduct is a powerful factor that can absolutely bar or compel alimony. Consult a qualified NC attorney.

Deconstruct the Decision

Our estimator models the complex, discretionary framework of North Carolina alimony, giving you an unparalleled insight into potential financial outcomes.

Dynamic Calculation

Instantly see how income, marriage length, and the critical factor of marital misconduct directly influence the potential alimony award.

Focus on Key Factors

This tool is built around the core drivers of NC alimony: financial disparity and the powerful, often decisive, role of illicit sexual behavior.

Live Data Tape

The results panel provides a transparent, running calculation, showing how each input modifies the base amount for a clear, educational experience.

A Unique Legal Framework

North Carolina follows a distinct two-step process. First, a spouse must prove they are entitled to alimony. Only then does the court determine the amount and duration.

Dependent vs. Supporting Spouse

The law defines one spouse as "dependent" (substantially in need of maintenance) and the other as "supporting" (substantially able to pay). Our calculator assumes this relationship exists. Proving dependency is the first hurdle in any real-world alimony case and requires a detailed financial analysis.

The Impact of Illicit Sexual Behavior

This is the most critical and unique aspect of NC law. If a dependent spouse commits adultery, they are legally barred from receiving alimony. If a supporting spouse commits adultery, the court is legally required to award alimony. It is a powerful, often all-or-nothing factor.

Determining a Fair Award

Once entitlement is established, the court has broad discretion to determine the final numbers, weighing numerous factors to reach an equitable result.

Financial Needs & Abilities

The core of the calculation is the reasonable needs of the dependent spouse versus the supporting spouse's ability to pay. The court examines income, earning capacity, debts, and reasonable living expenses to find a balance. This is what our calculator's "base need" models.

Marriage Duration and Lifestyle

Longer marriages often result in longer alimony durations. A common, unwritten rule of thumb is a duration of half the length of the marriage, though this is not binding. The court also considers the accustomed standard of living during the marriage when determining the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is legally defined as "acts of sexual or deviate sexual intercourse, deviate sexual acts, or sexual acts as defined in G.S. 14-27.20(4), voluntarily engaged in by a spouse with someone other than the other spouse."

If the court finds that both spouses engaged in illicit sexual behavior, the absolute bar/compulsion rule does not apply. The decision to award or deny alimony returns to the judge's discretion, who can consider the misconduct as one of many factors.

Alimony terminates automatically on the date set in the court order, the death of either party, the remarriage of the dependent spouse, or if the dependent spouse cohabits with another adult in a marriage-like relationship.

GET LEGAL CLARITY

This estimate is a powerful starting point. The specific facts of your case require professional legal analysis.

CONSULT A NC ATTORNEY

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