Alimony

I’m not certain about how alimony is figured but I would think that it’s based on marital time. After date of separation the only thing a raise/bonus would affect is child support.

I read somewhere that a good estimate, if you’ve been married for more than 15 years, is that the judge will award 20% to 30% of gross salary for alimony. Can anyone confirm that this seems accurate for NC?

Thanks in advance.

Alimony is based on the standard of living during the marriage, a raise after the separation will generally not affect alimony, especially if the alimony amount has already been agreed to.

To the person who asked if the percentages they stated were accurate for NC the answer is no, the alimony awards are all over the map.

P.S. Please feel free to bring up this or any other topic on our live call-in show every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. EST. Visit radio.rosen.com/live for details

Helena M. Nevicosi
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm

4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax

Charlotte Office
301 McCullough Drive
Suite 510
Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
Main Fax: (704) 9343.0044

Durham & Chapel Hill Office
1829 East Franklin Street
Building 600
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 321.0780

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

If alimony awards are all over the map, how does one go about determing an equitable amount without involving a judge?

In other words, my thinking is to write up the divorce agreement myself and, assuming my spouse agrees, both parties will sign and then I’ll file it with the court.

Thank you.

NC Divorce,

An attorney would use the specific facts of your case to give you advice of typical alimony awards in that scenario. Alimony awards are decided on a case by case basis. An equitable amount outside of court is generally one that both parties can live with and one that meets the financial needs of the dependent spouse while still allowing the supporting spouse to meet his expenses.

P.S. Please feel free to bring up this or any other topic on our live call-in show every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. EST. Visit radio.rosen.com/live for details

Helena M. Nevicosi
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm

4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax

Charlotte Office
301 McCullough Drive
Suite 510
Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
Main Fax: (704) 9343.0044

Durham & Chapel Hill Office
1829 East Franklin Street
Building 600
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 321.0780

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

What if I get a raise/bonus after alimony has been agreed to? Can my wife petition to get alimony raised before or after the divorce is final? Will I get in trouble if I don’t disclose increased income?