When there’s a gap in the difference between two spouse’s incomes, if a marriage ends, one spouse may no longer be able to support themselves. Part of the divorce process includes determining whether or not one spouse is entitled to support, and how much the other spouse is required to pay.
If one spouse believes they’re entitled to spousal support, or alimony, they can file a request with the court after their separation. North Carolina will only award support to the spouse who has insufficient income to maintain their – and their child’s – standard of living incurred during the marriage. This spouse is called the dependent spouse...more