South Carolina Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support (alimony) in South Carolina. Understand the types of alimony available, how courts calculate amounts, and how long payments may last. Updated for 2026.
South Carolina does not use a fixed formula to calculate alimony. Instead, judges have broad discretion to award spousal support based on multiple statutory factors. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific circumstances.
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Get Started with Divorce.aiTypes of Alimony in South Carolina
Permanent Periodic Alimony
Under S.C. Code § 20-3-130(B)(1), paid periodically (usually monthly) and continues until the death of either spouse, the remarriage of the supported spouse, or continued cohabitation of the supported spouse with another person for 90 or more consecutive days. This is the most common form of alimony in South Carolina.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Under S.C. Code § 20-3-130(B)(2), a finite sum paid in one installment or periodically, designed to help the supported spouse become self-supporting. Terminable upon remarriage, continued cohabitation, death of either spouse, or occurrence of a specific future event. Modifiable based on unforeseen events frustrating good faith efforts to become self-supporting.
Reimbursement Alimony
Under S.C. Code § 20-3-130(B)(3), a finite sum paid in one installment or periodically to compensate a spouse who made significant contributions to the other spouse's education, training, or increased earning capacity. Terminable upon remarriage, cohabitation, or death of the supported spouse but not modifiable based on changed circumstances.
Lump Sum Alimony
Under S.C. Code § 20-3-130(B)(4), a finite total sum paid in one installment or periodically over a period of time. Terminates only upon the death of the supported spouse. Not terminable or modifiable based on remarriage or changed circumstances. Used where the court finds alimony appropriate but determines the award should be finite and nonmodifiable.
Separate Maintenance and Support
Under S.C. Code § 20-3-130(B)(5), a periodic payment made to a spouse while the parties are still legally married but living separate and apart. Governed by the same factors as other alimony types.
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Factors South Carolina Courts Consider
When determining whether to award alimony and how much, South Carolina courts evaluate:
Duration of the marriage and ages of the parties at marriage and at the time of divorce (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(1))
Physical and emotional condition of each spouse (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(2))
Educational background and need for additional training or education to achieve income potential (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(3))
Employment history and earning potential of each spouse (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(4))
Standard of living established during the marriage (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(5))
Current and reasonably anticipated earnings of both spouses (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(6))
Current and reasonably anticipated expenses and needs of both spouses (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(7))
Marital and nonmarital properties of the parties (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(8))
Custody of the children, particularly regarding employment limitations (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(9))
Marital misconduct or fault of either party (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(10))
Tax consequences of any alimony award (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(11))
Prior support obligations from a previous marriage (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(12))
Such other factors the court considers relevant (S.C. Code § 20-3-130(C)(13))
How Long Does Alimony Last?
While there is no universal rule, alimony duration in South Carolina generally correlates with the length of the marriage:
| Marriage Length | Typical Alimony Duration |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 0-2 years |
| 5-10 years | 2-5 years |
| 10-20 years | 5-10 years |
| 20+ years | Indefinite / Permanent |
These are general guidelines. Actual duration depends on the specific facts of your case and the court's discretion.
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When Does Alimony End?
Tax Implications of Alimony
Post-2018 Federal Tax Rules
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed the tax treatment of alimony:
For the Payer
Alimony payments are not deductible from federal taxes.
For the Recipient
Alimony payments are not taxable income for federal taxes.
State tax treatment may differ. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.