Bill > H3081

This bill amends South Carolina's alimony laws by establishing specific limitations on alimony awards. Under the proposed changes, alimony can only be awarded to the spouse with the lower income, and the annual amount cannot exceed seventeen percent of the difference between the higher and lower wage earners' annual wages. Additionally, the duration of alimony payments cannot exceed the length of the marriage. However, the bill provides judicial discretion by allowing courts to deviate from this formula if they find by clear and convincing evidence that the standard calculation would be inequitable. This means a judge could potentially modify the amount or duration of alimony upward or even award alimony to the higher-earning spouse if special circumstances warrant such a decision. The bill aims to create more predictable and standardized alimony guidelines while still maintaining some flexibility for unique situations. The legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3081&session=126&summary=B