North Carolina Alimony Attorney Ensuring Your Interests Are Protected

Helping you after a divorce

When you and your spouse divorce, there are a number of decisions you need to make that will have a long-term impact on your quality of life. One of the decisions the North Carolina courts generally make on behalf of those involved is whether or not you are required to provide your spouse with monetary support, which is also known as alimony or spousal support. At Susan V. Thomas, P.C., I have a seasoned familiarity with North Carolina alimony law.

Alimony is one of the most frequently fought-over issues in divorce, and while courts and lawyers strive to split marital assets equitably, equitable does not necessarily mean equal. I always work to reach a fair agreement between my client and the opposing party.

Experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements

When determining whether or not alimony should be granted, how much should be awarded and for how long it should continue, North Carolina judges carefully appraise a couple’s length of marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, the relative income of each individual and the needs of each spouse. Retaining an experienced alimony attorney can help you convince the court that you need support, and thus increase the chance that alimony will be awarded. Alternatively, I can also work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse does not need spousal support, or needs less than he or she asked for.

In North Carolina, there are four types of alimony agreements:

• Temporary alimony provides support during the divorce action, which may include attorney fees and relevant litigation costs.
• Rehabilitative alimony helps a dependent spouse become self-reliant and may end when an ex-spouse has found a job or has completed his or her education.
• Reimbursement alimony is awarded to the spouse who worked to support the family while the other spouse pursued professional training or career development. This type of alimony agreement may end or the amount paid may decrease once the spouse has been compensated.
• Permanent alimony is given to a spouse who is seriously ill or who has demonstrated economic need. This agreement can be modified due to changing financial needs or other circumstances.

I work with you to determine what kind of alimony is the best for your situation.

Working for your peace of mind

I represent clients who are seeking alimony as well as those who would be required to pay it. My clients are often concerned about whether they are required to pay alimony if their circumstances change. Others come to me if they are not receiving the alimony payments specified by the agreement. I can help you present evidence to the court as to why the amount you pay should be decreased or request that the court properly enforce the alimony agreement.

Contact an experienced alimony attorney

Call Susan V. Thomas, P.C. at 704-765-4242 or contact me online to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney at my Cornelius, North Carolina office.