The legality of same-sex marriage is so recent in North Carolina, that there are very few case studies regarding alimony. This means that LGBT family attorneys don’t have a lot to work with when presenting the case for alimony. Having said that, logic directs us to follow the same guidelines and requirements of heterosexual marriages and alimony. These requirements are: 1) Alimony is only granted if one spouse has a financial need for it, and the other spouse is able to pay it. 2) Various factors are considered, such as earning potential, employment prospects, and the financial situation of each spouse. Alimony can be awarded on a monthly, yearly, or one-time sum basis.