Experienced Legal Guidance for Spousal Support in Rock Hill, SC
Alimony (also known as spousal support) payments are sometimes made by one spouse to help the other financially after a divorce. South Carolina courts use a variety of factors and a formula to determine if alimony is appropriate. If you think you may be paying or receiving alimony, you may find it helpful to talk to an attorney about what to expect.
The team at Turner Family Law advocates for divorcing couples throughout Rock Hill and York County. We have extensive experience helping people calculate, modify, and terminate alimony payments.
What Is Alimony in South Carolina?
Spousal maintenance is payments that one spouse makes to the other to help them support themselves as they transition from being married to being single. Alimony can be a one-time payment, monthly installments, or periodic, and it can be temporary or permanent.
Types of Alimony Available in SC
There are four main types of alimony in South Carolina:
- Periodic
- Lump-sum
- Rehabilitative
- Reimbursement
- Separate
Some of these forms of maintenance are paid in a single installment, whereas others are paid over time. The court’s alimony order will say how long the spousal support lasts. For example, rehabilitative alimony lasts until the spouse receiving it gets a job and is able to support themselves.
Who Qualifies for Alimony?
Either spouse can receive alimony, regardless of their gender. Whether someone is eligible for alimony depends on the individual circumstances.
How Alimony Is Determined by the Court
The court uses a multi-factor test to determine if someone qualifies to receive alimony. Some of the factors the court looks at include:
- The length of the marriage
- Marital misconduct or unfaithfulness committed by one spouse
- The contributions (monetary and caregiving) of the spouse to the marriage
- The ability of the spouse to financially support themselves after the divorce
Additionally, the court may require one spouse to pay the other a single lump sum. For example, the judge may ask the unfaithful spouse to reimburse the faithful spouse for the legal costs of filing for divorce.
Why Choose Turner Family Law for Alimony Matters?
The advocates at Turner Family Law have been proudly serving South Carolina for years.
Throughout our time working for the Rock Hill community and surrounding areas, we have carefully honed our skills. Here’s some of what we have to offer:
- Deep knowledge of SC spousal support law
- Strategic advocacy for fair outcomes
- Local experience in the Rock Hill family court
We attend seminars to stay up-to-date on changes in alimony laws, so we have fresh knowledge to help us create responsive case plans for our clients.
Family Law Legal Services We Provide
At Turner Family Law, we help spouses at all stages of the alimony process, including:
- Alimony negotiation during divorce
- Post-divorce alimony modification
- Enforcing or contesting alimony orders
We can assist you by completing the necessary paperwork, participating in negotiations, and fighting for you in court. We can also file enforcement actions — like a petition for a rule to show cause — if one of the spouses does not follow the terms of the court’s alimony order.
Serving Clients Across Rock Hill and York County
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
After collaborating with us for her divorce case, Sarah Coleman said the following in her five-star review of our services:
“I truly could never express how grateful I am to have hired Michael to represent me in my divorce case. Divorce is never an easy process, especially when you add a contentious child custody situation into the mix.
Michael has been dedicated to my case from our very first phone call. He is very responsive and puts great time and effort into his cases. Michael consistently kept me in the loop during the entire process and was always sure to answer any questions or concerns I had along the way.
Michael also demonstrates great compassion and care for his cases and is sure to prioritize your needs and goals. Michael does a phenomenal job representing in court. I felt safe and heard during this process of working with him. I could not have asked for a better attorney! You are without a doubt in great hands when working with Michael and his team!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Rock Hill
How is alimony calculated in South Carolina?
The court uses a formula to determine how much someone will receive in alimony payments.
Can I change my alimony after the divorce is finalized?
Yes. You may be able to adjust or terminate your alimony after the divorce is finalized if there is a substantial change in circumstances. You have to ask the judge for permission to modify the existing order.
What happens if my ex doesn’t pay alimony?
If your ex doesn’t pay alimony, and the court says they are supposed to, you can file an enforcement action with the South Carolina court.
Is alimony permanent in SC?
Some types of alimony last indefinitely, until the recipient remarries or one of the spouses passes away. Other forms of maintenance include one-time payments or payments made in installments for a specific period.
Schedule a Consultation With a Rock Hill Alimony Lawyer
Alimony payments can be helpful for one spouse to receive after a divorce; however, the laws change frequently, and there are common misconceptions about who pays alimony and how much it is. Many people find it beneficial to work with an attorney who can explain the current rules about paying, receiving, modifying, and enforcing spousal maintenance.
Turner Family Law is here to support and guide you during this time so you feel empowered and protected. If you’re getting a divorce or need help with the alimony process, call us today by dialing 864-778-2734. We provide confidential, no-obligation consultations.
