Williams v. Williams

ARNOLD, Judge.

Defendant first argues that the trial court erred in awarding alimony to the plaintiff, because she is not and never has been dependent upon him for her support. Only a dependent spouse is entitled to alimony. See G.S. 50-16.2. A dependent spouse is one *165“who is actually substantially dependent upon the other spouse for his or her maintenance and support or is substantially in need of maintenance and support from the other spouse.” G.S. 50-16.1(3). “Alimony is not awarded as a punishment for a broken marriage, but for demonstrated need.” Lemons v. Lemons, 22 N.C. App. 303, 304,…