Bill > H3098

This bill modifies South Carolina's alimony laws by eliminating periodic alimony and introducing a new calculation method based on the length of marriage. Specifically, the bill establishes that alimony will now be awarded at a rate of one year of support for every three years of marriage, with termination occurring upon the supported spouse's continued cohabitation, reaching retirement age, or death. The bill also clarifies the definition of "continued cohabitation" as residing with another person in a romantic relationship for 90 or more consecutive days, and allows courts to determine cohabitation even if the parties periodically separate to avoid the 90-day requirement. Additionally, the bill makes technical corrections to various sections of the law related to alimony, including provisions about marital misconduct, property acquisition timing, and attorney fees. The changes aim to provide more structured guidelines for alimony determinations while maintaining judicial discretion to consider individual circumstances. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval and will apply to alimony orders issued both before and after its implementation.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3098&session=126&summary=B