In order to qualify for alimony in North Carolina you must be a dependent and supported spouse and have need.  The longest amount of time alimony can be paid is until death or remarriage, the shortest is not at all. Except for pre separation adultery, fault is not a bar to alimony, but a factor affecting its amount and/or duration.

There are two types of alimony the first, post separation support, often called PSS, is a type of temporary support to keep the parties on equal footing until a more permanent arrangement can be made.   The second, alimony, is support for a dependent spouse for a term of years.  Unless an arrangement is made to the contrary, alimony is taxable to the payee spouse and deductible to the payor.

There is a list of statutory considerations which can affect the amount and duration of any award for support. Marital misconduct is one of many factors including length of the marriage, health of the parties, unequal earning capacity, and other factors.