It is my experience that the court must look at your situation as a whole, not just the length of the marriage. If it’s alimony you’re talking about, then you must prove the need for it, unless there were other factors such as adultery. My understanding is that a judge determines the amount, the terms and the duration of the alimony–there isn’t a formula.
Dear cards:
Greetings. Yes, the length of the marriage does have an impact on the amount of financial support the dependant spouse might receive.
What is the question about a “long-term marriage?” The statute does not define a long term marriage.
Legally, there is no distinction in the statute or in the case law between a 14 year and 15 year marriage. 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
10925 David Taylor Drive, Suite 100
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
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.
In NC, does the length of the marriage have an impact on the amount of financial support the dependant spouse might receive?
If so, how does NC define a long-term marriage?
In NC, is there a difference between being married 14 years and being married 15 years?