# Dependent Spouse **URL:** \ **Category:** Divorce and Separation Answers\ **Created:** [March 6, 2006, 4:05pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/dependent-spouse/3068 "2006-03-06T16:05:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JanetFritts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d2c977/32.png) [@JanetFritts](https://forum.rosen.com/u/JanetFritts)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2006, 4:05pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/dependent-spouse/3068/1 "2006-03-06T16:05:34Z")
Dear fwondering: Greetings. Yes, she is a dependent spouse, even if she supported herself. Now, the statute says that she must be substantially depedent or actually dependent. The deal is how can she with $22,000 in income keep herself up to the same standard of living that she had during the marriage with you? On the otherside, I think that you could argue no alimony based on the fact that she has been doing fine without the same, as long as she has not accumulated a lot of debt, etc. Thank you. Janet L. Fritts Attorney with Rosen Law Firm 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500 Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 919.787.6668 main phone 919.256.1665 direct fax 301 McCullough Drive Suite 510 Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 704.644.2831 main voice 704.307.4595 main fax 1829 East Franklin Street, Bldg 600 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919.321.0780 main phone 919.787.6668 main fax > **[North Carolina Divorce Law - Legal Answers and Info](https://www.rosen.com/)** > > The best resource for divorce in NC. Find accurate, legal, family law advice from attorneys practicing in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill. 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 but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. ---
**Author:** ![fwondering](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/65b543/32.png) [@fwondering](https://forum.rosen.com/u/fwondering)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2006, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/dependent-spouse/3068/2 "2006-02-28T13:04:39Z")
If I earned under 40k at time of separation and divorce,(now 52,000) and my ex earned 22 and still does. If she has supported herself for the past two years. Is she really still considered a “dependent spouse” ?