In North Carolina there are two distinct phases in which spousal support is determined. The date of separation to the conclusion of your case is called post separation support. Alimony is from the conclusion of your case forward. In either situation the court has to make determination of who is the supporting spouse and who is the dependent spouse.  Because of the number of factual and legal issues that need to be determined in any support case, contact the Hopper Law Firm for experienced legal representation.