Charleston Alimony Attorney

Navigating Clients Through The Alimony Process in South Carolina

Alimony, also commonly known as spousal support, is a type of support payment made by one spouse to another after a divorce. Alimony has been a component of divorce proceedings for more than a century and is designed to help individuals whose spouses have significantly more income. Whether you navigate through a mediation or litigation, our team can help!

How is Alimony Calculated in South Carolina?

When the court is deciding to order alimony, they will look at the following:

• Length of the marriage
• Income of the parties
• Age of spouses at the time of divorce
• Employment history
• Standard of living
• All separate and marital property
• Child custody decisions
• Marital misconduct/fault grounds

At Shaw Law Firm, LLC, our experienced alimony lawyer has the knowledge and skill to guide you through this difficult time. Attorney Heather Shaw takes a compassionate approach with her clients, yet remains an unwavering advocate for their best interests.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

Women Don’t Have to Pay Alimony —

• This myth stems from the early days of alimony when men were the primary earners in nearly every household. These days, a woman who earns more than her spouse may be ordered to make alimony payments.

Alimony Is Automatic —

• Although alimony certainly isn’t going anywhere, it is never automatic and requires an analysis of many factors before it is awarded.

Alimony Is Not Punitive —

• Contrary to popular belief, alimony is not a punishment. Its purpose is to help the other party get back on their feet and survive after relying on their spouse’s income.

How Often Are Alimony Payments Made?

Periodic Alimony

• This refers to any ongoing alimony payments that are paid regularly, usually monthly. The court can review or modify the alimony in the future if circumstances change.

Lump Sum Alimony

• Rather than making regular alimony payments, lump sum alimony calls for a single, predetermined payment. This can be paid all at once but is also often paid in several installments. An amount specified in lump sum orders is set and cannot be changed.

Types of Alimony in South Carolina

Rehabilitative Alimony:

• If one spouse has been out of the workforce for a while, or for another reason cannot earn a significant income, they may be awarded rehabilitative alimony to support them while they take steps to become self-supporting. The amount owed will be determined by the court when the order is made.

Reimbursement Alimony:

• This type of alimony applies to very specific situations. If during the marriage one spouse worked to support the other while they received job training or education, then the working spouse may be awarded reimbursement alimony.

Separate Maintenance & Support:

• Unlike the other types of alimony, separate maintenance and support payments do not apply to divorced couples. Instead, this type of payment is sometimes ordered when a couple is no longer living together but is not seeking a divorce. While technically not alimony, they are similar.