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Alimony Lawyers in Fort Mill, SC, Obtaining Necessary Financial Resources For Clients

Often when spouses go through a divorce, one of the parties may require financial assistance, commonly referred to as alimony or spousal support. Under South Carolina law, judges have the legal right to order one spouse to pay the other, depending on the circumstances involved in the divorce.

If you feel you should receive alimony from your spouse, you need to speak with an experienced alimony attorney who can answer any questions and explain your legal options.

Contact Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC of Fort Mill, SC, to schedule a consultation with a qualified legal team member.

What Types of Alimony Are Available in South Carolina?

South Carolina law dictates that several types of alimony may be awarded but depend on several factors unique to the couple going through a divorce. These types of alimony include:

  • Alimony pendente lite: This temporary alimony is often awarded to a spouse until the divorce is finalized.
  • Periodic alimony: This type of alimony is usually paid monthly but only ordered until the supported spouse can become financially independent.
  • Lump sum alimony: Just as the name suggests, alimony is paid to the supported spouse in one large payment or through several installments.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: This is the most commonly awarded alimony in South Carolina. It is designed to give the supported spouse the financial support they need while acquiring skills or education to reenter the workforce.
  • Reimbursement alimony: This type of alimony is awarded to repay the supported spouse for money and time they spent on the other spouse’s education or career. The judge may order reimbursement alimony to be paid in one lump sum or installment payments.
  • Separate maintenance: This type of alimony is typically ordered when a couple has not officially divorced but is living separately from one another.

What Factors Does the Court Consider When Granting Alimony?

There are several factors the court will take into consideration when determining the amount of alimony that a spouse should receive. They include:

  • The length of the marriage.
  • The age of each spouse at the time of the marriage
  • The age of each spouse when they file for a divorce.
  • Misconduct on the part of either spouse.
  • The ability of each spouse to support themselves.
  • The educational and employment history of each spouse.
  • The standard of living each spouse was afforded during the marriage.
  • The mental, physical, and mental conditions of each spouse.
  • Each spouse’s financial obligations to minor-age children.
  • The living expenses of each spouse.

Many individuals are under the mistaken impression that only women can receive alimony. However, South Carolina courts do not favor one gender over another when determining eligibility to receive alimony. Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC of York County, is dedicated to assisting clients in receiving the spousal support they deserve and will work to build a strong case on your behalf.

Can I Obtain a Modification Order For Alimony Payments?

A family law court will only consider modifying alimony payments if circumstances have changed substantially. Some of the most common reasons that judges will allow when requesting a modification of alimony include:

  • A severe medical condition that affects either spouse, such as an illness or inability to work.
  • A significant change in either spouse’s income, such as job loss, promotion, or other changes to their financial situation.
  • Proof that the supported spouse is cohabitating with another individual who supports them as if they are married.
  • A work or personal obligation that causes either spouse to relocate to a new location.

Even though a change in financial status may cause an individual to receive an alimony modification order, the court will ensure that the individual did not purposely take a lesser-paying job to avoid paying alimony.

How Do I Know if I Qualify For Alimony?

Because numerous factors go into a judge determining alimony, there is no definitive way to way to know if you qualify for alimony. However, if you are a spouse who puts your dreams and goals on hold to raise a family and help put your spouse through school, you may qualify for some form of spousal support.

If you feel that you will need alimony after your marriage ends, you need to speak with an experienced attorney from Fort Mill immediately. The sooner you seek qualified legal representation, the better so your attorney can begin working on your case.

Contact Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC of Fort Mill, SC, by calling 803-258-6449 and asking to schedule a consultation with a qualified legal team member.