TO AMEND ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 3, TITLE 20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DIVORCE IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA REGARDING THE AWARD OF ALIMONY.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 3, Title 20 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 20-3-129.    The General Assembly recognizes that if alimony is awarded, the award should be based on considerations of equity. Awards of alimony should adequately respond to the varied needs of modern society and seek to equitably resolve disputes arising in all actions for divorce and separation. It is the public policy of the State of South Carolina that, if alimony is awarded, no one form of alimony is preferred over the other and in consideration of all factors and evidence presented by the parties, the award of alimony should protect the public interest and should not benefit one individual over the other."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.