Your Estimate
$0
Estimated Monthly PSS
$0 / year
Key NC Alimony Factors
- Marriage Duration: The length of the marriage significantly impacts potential alimony duration and amount.
- Earning Capacities: The court considers each spouse's ability to earn income, not just their current salary.
- Marital Misconduct: "Illicit sexual behavior" can be an absolute bar to alimony for a dependent spouse.
This is not legal advice. This tool uses a simplified PSS formula for estimation only. Alimony in NC is highly discretionary. Consult a qualified NC attorney.
How to Use the PSS Estimator
This tool simplifies a common, unofficial formula used to estimate potential Post-Separation Support in three steps.
Enter Payor's Income
Input the gross annual income for the higher-earning spouse.
Enter Recipient's Income
Input the gross annual income for the lower-earning (dependent) spouse.
Analyze Your Estimate
Review the potential monthly and annual PSS amount to use as a starting point.
Understanding Support in a "No-Formula" State
North Carolina is one of the few states that does not have a statutory formula for alimony or PSS. This makes tools like ours essential for gaining initial insight. Our calculator uses a simplified, common formula to provide a baseline for discussion, not a legal guarantee.
Models a Common PSS Formula
Applies a widely-used (but unofficial) calculation: 40% of the payor's income minus 50% of the recipient's income.
Focuses on PSS
This estimate is for Post-Separation Support (temporary), not the final, long-term alimony award which is far more complex.
PSS vs. Alimony in North Carolina
These two terms are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference is key.
Important: NC Law is Discretionary
Judges have wide discretion. A final award for PSS or Alimony is determined by weighing many factors. This calculator is a simplified educational tool, not a substitute for legal advice.
Post-Separation Support (PSS)
A temporary form of support paid by the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse after separation, but before a final alimony order is entered.
Alimony
A longer-term form of spousal support awarded as part of the final divorce decree, based on a comprehensive review of statutory factors.
How Alimony is Really Decided
An NC judge must weigh these factors to determine a fair alimony award. Select a factor to learn more.
Marital Misconduct
This is a major factor in NC. If a dependent spouse commits "illicit sexual behavior" during the marriage, they are barred from receiving alimony. If the supporting spouse does, the court must award alimony.
Earning Capacities
The court looks at each spouse's ability to earn income based on their education, skills, and work history, not just their current paycheck. This helps determine the true level of financial need and ability to pay.
Standard of Living
The court considers the lifestyle the couple was accustomed to during the marriage. The goal of alimony is to help the dependent spouse maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living.
Duration of the Marriage
The length of the marriage is a key factor. Generally, longer marriages may lead to longer terms of alimony, while very short marriages may not result in any alimony award at all.
Contributions as Homemaker
The court recognizes the non-financial contributions of a spouse who acted as a homemaker, which may have enabled the other spouse to advance their career and earning capacity.
North Carolina Alimony FAQ
Get clear answers to some of the most common questions about spousal support in NC.
Yes, a big one. PSS is temporary support paid after separation but before the final divorce. Alimony is a longer-term support order made as part of the final divorce decree. They are decided based on similar, but not identical, legal standards.
It's critical. If the dependent spouse (the one asking for support) committed adultery, they are barred from receiving alimony. If the supporting spouse committed adultery, the court must order them to pay alimony.
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony and PSS are not tax-deductible for the payer and are not considered taxable income for the recipient on both federal and state tax returns.