South Carolina Spousal Support
Calculator (2026)
South Carolina determines spousal support through a multi-factor statutory analysis under SC Code § 20-3-130. Understand how the court evaluates eligibility, amount, and duration in your case.
Calculate Your Spousal Support →$49 one-time · No account needed · Report by email in 5 minutes
Free Spousal Support Calculator — South Carolina
How Spousal Support Is Calculated in South Carolina
Spousal support in South Carolina is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under SC Code § 20-3-130. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in South Carolina include: Periodic (modifiable), Lump sum (non-modifiable), Rehabilitative, Reimbursement, Separate maintenance, Other form the court deems just. The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: SC Code § 20-3-130
South Carolina Spousal Support Factors (SC Code § 20-3-130)
The court considers these 13 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Duration of the marriage and ages of the parties at marriage and at divorce
Physical and emotional condition of each spouse
Educational background and need for additional training
Employment history and earning potential
Standard of living during the marriage
Current and reasonably anticipated earnings of both spouses
Current and reasonably anticipated expenses and needs of both spouses
Marital and nonmarital properties awarded
Custody of children
Marital misconduct or fault
Tax consequences
Prior support obligations
Other factors the court considers relevant
Spousal Support Duration in South Carolina
No formula — 13 statutory factors (§ 20-3-130(C)). Periodic alimony has no fixed duration and terminates on remarriage or 90+ days of continuous cohabitation.
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
What Makes South Carolina Spousal Support Unique
ADULTERY BAR (§ 20-3-130(A)): adultery by the seeking spouse before the earliest of a formally signed settlement agreement or a permanent order is an absolute bar to alimony — no causation required. Desertion is a misconduct factor, not a bar.
Cohabitation for 90 or more consecutive days terminates alimony (strictly construed — McKinney v. Pedery, 2015).
South Carolina is one of the few states requiring a 1-year separation for no-fault divorce.
Calculate Your South Carolina Spousal Support
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
South Carolina Divorce Procedure at a Glance
Residency Requirement
1 year (or 3 months if both parties are SC residents)
Mandatory Waiting Period
1-year continuous separation for no-fault divorce; no decree within 3 months of filing (§ 20-3-80)
No-Fault Ground
1-year continuous separation
State Income Tax
Two rates for tax year 2026 under H.4216: 1.99% up to $30,000 taxable income, 5.21% above
More South Carolina Divorce Calculators
South Carolina Child Support Calculator
Income shares model on combined gross income under 2024 SC Child Support Guidelines (S.C. Code Regs. 114-4710 et seq.; § 63-17-470)
South Carolina Property Division Calculator
No 50/50 presumption — equitable apportionment based on 15 statutory factors
South Carolina Divorce Settlement Calculator
Complete 8-chapter divorce analysis for South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Spousal Support
How is spousal support calculated in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not use a fixed formula for spousal support. Instead, courts apply a multi-factor analysis under SC Code § 20-3-130 to determine the amount and duration based on the specific circumstances of each case.
What types of spousal support are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina recognizes the following types of spousal support: Periodic (modifiable), Lump sum (non-modifiable), Rehabilitative, Reimbursement, Separate maintenance, Other form the court deems just. The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
How long does spousal support last in South Carolina?
No formula — 13 statutory factors (§ 20-3-130(C)). Periodic alimony has no fixed duration and terminates on remarriage or 90+ days of continuous cohabitation.
Can spousal support be modified in South Carolina?
Yes. Spousal support orders in South Carolina can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Know Your South Carolina Spousal Support Number
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on South Carolina's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free South CarolinaEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on South Carolina family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed South Carolina family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: SC Code § 20-3-130.