Spousal Support (Alimony) in South Carolina
Most South Carolina couples resolve alimony through negotiation or mediation and present the agreement for approval. If litigated, the court decides type, amount, and duration using equitable factors. Adultery committed before a settlement or order bars the adulterous spouse from receiving alimony.
Is there a formula in South Carolina?
There is no official alimony calculator in South Carolina. Judges weigh need and ability to pay, marital standard of living, length of marriage, ages/health, earning capacity, and the time reasonably needed to become self-supporting. Conduct can be considered; adultery may bar alimony entirely.
A quick way to estimate temporary support
Temporary estimate = 40% of the higher earner’s net monthly income minus 50% of the lower earner’s net monthly income.
This is a negotiation tool, not law. Example: If net incomes are $7,400 and $3,100, 40% of $7,400 ($2,960) minus 50% of $3,100 ($1,550) suggests $1,410 per month. Adjust for insurance changes, childcare, major debt, or seasonal income.
Types of spousal support
Temporary (pendente lite) support stabilizes budgets during the case. Periodic alimony is modifiable monthly support. Rehabilitative alimony supports training or education to reenter the workforce. Reimbursement alimony repays major contributions (for example, supporting a spouse’s schooling). Lump-sum alimony trades monthly payments for a fixed amount. Parties can also obtain Separate Support and Maintenance orders when not seeking a divorce.
What support covers and what it doesn’t
Alimony is transition help to establish two stable households. It is not punishment and does not duplicate child support, which addresses children’s needs.
Ways to structure payments
Consider monthly step-downs, a lump-sum buyout, property/retirement offsets, or direct expense payments like COBRA, tuition, or rent. Many couples secure obligations with life-insurance for the support term.
How Hello Divorce can help
Hello Divorce can prepare all your South Carolina divorce forms for you with our divorce plans—and we can help you calculate or negotiate support with our mediators and financial pros.
FAQs
Is there an alimony formula in South Carolina?
No. There is no official calculator; courts balance need, ability to pay, and other factors.
Does adultery impact alimony?
Yes. Adultery committed before a settlement or order can bar alimony to the adulterous spouse.
Can alimony be modified later?
Periodic alimony is often modifiable upon a substantial change; lump-sum is generally not, unless your agreement says otherwise.
