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.
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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. 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
The court considers these 12 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Duration of the marriage
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 and expenses
Marital and nonmarital properties awarded
Custody of children
Marital misconduct or fault
Tax consequences
Prior support obligations
Other factors the court considers relevant
No formula. Entirely discretionary. South Carolina still allows permanent alimony.
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.
ADULTERY BAR: adultery by the seeking party is a complete bar to alimony in South Carolina.
Cohabitation by the recipient spouse terminates alimony.
South Carolina is one of the few states requiring a 1-year separation for no-fault divorce.
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
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-Fault Ground
1-year continuous separation
State Income Tax
Progressive 0–6.4% (2025, being phased to 6.2%)
South Carolina Child Support Calculator
Income shares model on combined gross income under SC Code § 63-17-470 (SC Child Support Guidelines)
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
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.
South Carolina recognizes the following types of spousal support: Periodic (modifiable), Lump sum (non-modifiable), Rehabilitative, Reimbursement, Separate maintenance. 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.
No formula. Entirely discretionary. South Carolina still allows permanent alimony.
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.
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.