Updated September 1, 2026. Quick answer: North Carolina bars alimony when only the dependent spouse committed the statute's specified illicit sexual behavior before separation, subject to the statute's definitions and condonation rule.
This page is limited to the controlling North Carolina alimony rule captured below. It does not substitute a generic gray-divorce checklist for the state-specific answer.
The state rule that changes the answer
- North Carolina bars alimony when only the dependent spouse committed the statute's specified illicit sexual behavior before separation, subject to the statute's definitions and condonation rule.
- When only the supporting spouse committed that behavior, the court must order alimony to a dependent spouse; when both did, the result returns to court discretion.
- Beyond that gate, duration may be specified or indefinite and the court must make specific findings supporting its amount, duration, and payment manner.
Build the later-life review sheet
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Primary source and verification
The controlling source used here is N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-16.3A. Confirm the current official text and the facts of the order before acting; this is a source-backed planning guide, not individualized legal advice.