South Carolina Alimony Laws 2026
Complete guide to spousal support in South Carolina
South Carolina Alimony at a Glance
Types Available
Maximum Duration
Discretionary; bars adulterous spouses
How Courts Calculate
Judge discretion
Understanding South Carolina Alimony Law
In South Carolina, alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is financial support paid by one spouse to the other following a divorce or separation. South Carolina bars alimony for adulterous spouses.
South Carolina courts generally consider the following factors when determining alimony:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's income and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each spouse's age, health, and employability
- Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking)
- Child custody arrangements and their impact on earning capacity
- Marital misconduct or fault (in some cases)
Types of Alimony in South Carolina
Periodic: Regular (usually monthly) payments over a defined or indefinite period.
Lump-sum: A one-time payment of the total alimony amount, rather than ongoing periodic payments.
Rehabilitative: Designed to support a spouse while they gain education or job skills to become self-sufficient. Typically has a defined end date tied to the completion of a training program or return to the workforce.
Reimbursement: Compensates a spouse for financial contributions made to the other spouse's education or career advancement during the marriage.
Duration of Alimony
In South Carolina, the duration of alimony awards is: Discretionary; bars adulterous spouses.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
In most cases, alimony in South Carolina can be modified or terminated upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in either party's income
- Recipient spouse's remarriage
- Recipient spouse's cohabitation with a new partner (in many states)
- Either party's retirement
- Death of either party
Estimate Your South Carolina Alimony
Use our calculator to get a rough estimate based on South Carolina guidelines.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed South Carolina family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.