South Carolina Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support and how long it lasts under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130. Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate with a step-by-step breakdown and statute citations.
South Carolina Alimony Calculator
This state publishes a guideline equation that takes a share of the payor’s income and subtracts a share of the payee’s.
Based on S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130 · Verified June 1, 2026
South Carolina has no statutory alimony formula
South Carolina has no statutory alimony formula, so this figure uses the AAML national guideline (30% of the payor's gross income minus 20% of the payee's, capped at 40% of combined income) purely as a ballpark. The figure below is an estimate to give you a ballpark — a South Carolina judge decides the actual amount and duration using the factors listed beneath the calculator. About this method.
Enter income details to see your estimate
Eligibility: No minimum marriage length required, but duration of the marriage is the first statutory factor and heavily influences whether (and how much) alimony is awarded. Adultery committed before a settlement agreement or permanent order is an absolute bar to receiving alimony.
Factors South Carolina Courts Weigh
- •Duration of the marriage together with the ages of the parties at the time of marriage and at the time of the divorce or separate maintenance action
- •Physical and emotional condition of each spouse
- •Educational background of each spouse, plus each spouse's need for additional training or education to reach income potential
- •Employment history and earning potential of each spouse
- •Standard of living established during the marriage
- •Current and reasonably anticipated earnings and expenses/needs of both spouses
- •Marital and nonmarital properties of the parties, including those apportioned in the divorce
- •Custody of any children, particularly where conditions make outside employment difficult or costly for the custodial spouse
- •Marital misconduct or fault of either or both parties (if it affected the economic circumstances or contributed to the breakup), excluding conduct after a settlement agreement or permanent order
- •Tax consequences to each party from the support award
- •Existence and extent of any prior support obligation to a former spouse or other person
How South Carolina Alimony Works
- •South Carolina has NO formula or guideline for the amount of alimony. The family court sets the amount and form using pure judicial discretion after weighing the 13 statutory factors in S.C. Code Ann. Section 20-3-130(C).
- •The statute authorizes multiple forms of support: periodic, lump-sum, rehabilitative, reimbursement, separate maintenance and support, or any other form the court considers just. Periodic alimony is the most common and is modifiable on a substantial change of circumstances.
- •Adultery is an absolute bar: a spouse who commits adultery before the earliest of (a) signing a written property/marital settlement agreement or (b) entry of a permanent order, cannot receive alimony.
- •There is no statutory duration formula. Periodic alimony has no fixed term and terminates on the supported spouse's remarriage, continued cohabitation (residing with another in a romantic relationship for 90+ consecutive days), or the death of either spouse.
- •Reform watch: 2025-2026 House Bill 3098 would have eliminated periodic alimony and capped duration at one year for every three years of marriage, but as of June 2026 it remains in the House Judiciary Committee and is NOT enacted. Current law is unchanged.
This is an estimate for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Alimony is highly discretionary; a South Carolina judge can order a different amount or duration. Consult a licensed South Carolina family-law attorney about your situation. See the official South Carolina resource.
How South Carolina Calculates Alimony
South Carolina addresses spousal support under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130. It uses a guideline equation that takes a percentage of the payor's gross income and subtracts a percentage of the payee's gross income, with statutory caps. The calculator above applies that equation to your figures and shows each step.
Unlike child support, alimony is one of the most discretionary areas of family law. Even in states with a guideline equation, the figure is a starting point a judge can adjust after weighing the statutory factors, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's needs and ability to pay. Treat any number here as an informed estimate, not a guaranteed award.
Key Rules in South Carolina
- South Carolina has NO formula or guideline for the amount of alimony. The family court sets the amount and form using pure judicial discretion after weighing the 13 statutory factors in S.C. Code Ann. Section 20-3-130(C).
- The statute authorizes multiple forms of support: periodic, lump-sum, rehabilitative, reimbursement, separate maintenance and support, or any other form the court considers just. Periodic alimony is the most common and is modifiable on a substantial change of circumstances.
- Adultery is an absolute bar: a spouse who commits adultery before the earliest of (a) signing a written property/marital settlement agreement or (b) entry of a permanent order, cannot receive alimony.
- There is no statutory duration formula. Periodic alimony has no fixed term and terminates on the supported spouse's remarriage, continued cohabitation (residing with another in a romantic relationship for 90+ consecutive days), or the death of either spouse.
- Reform watch: 2025-2026 House Bill 3098 would have eliminated periodic alimony and capped duration at one year for every three years of marriage, but as of June 2026 it remains in the House Judiciary Committee and is NOT enacted. Current law is unchanged.
How Long Alimony Lasts in South Carolina
Under the AAML national guideline, duration is a share of the marriage length that rises with the length of the marriage; marriages of 20+ years may receive indefinite support. This is an illustration, not a state durational rule.
What Counts as Income
South Carolina's calculation uses each spouse’s gross income — earnings before taxes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and many recurring sources. Courts can also impute income to a spouse who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning support can be based on what a spouse could earn rather than what they currently do. Use your most recent pay stubs and tax return for the most accurate estimate.
Eligibility & Modifying an Order
No minimum marriage length required, but duration of the marriage is the first statutory factor and heavily influences whether (and how much) alimony is awarded. Adultery committed before a settlement agreement or permanent order is an absolute bar to receiving alimony.
Alimony orders can usually be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — for example, a significant change in either spouse's income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, retirement, or the payor's loss of employment. The specific rules and any non-modifiable agreements depend on your court order and South Carolina law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this South Carolina alimony calculator accurate?
It applies the South Carolina guideline from S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130 to the numbers you enter, so it gives a close estimate of a typical guideline award. It is not an official court calculation — a judge can order a different amount after weighing the statutory factors.
Is alimony taxable in South Carolina?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is not deductible by the payor and is not taxable income to the recipient under federal law. Most states follow the federal treatment, but check South Carolina's current rules for state income tax.
Does cheating affect alimony in South Carolina?
It depends on the state. Some states let courts consider marital misconduct among the alimony factors, while others bar it entirely. Review S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-130 and speak with a South Carolina attorney about how fault is treated where you live.
Can alimony be changed later?
Usually yes. Alimony can often be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a large change in income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or the payor's retirement — unless your order or agreement makes it non-modifiable.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Alimony is highly fact-specific and discretionary; the amount and duration a South Carolina court actually orders may differ significantly from any estimate here. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed South Carolina family-law attorney.
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