Georgia Alimony Laws and the Types of Alimony in Georgia

Alimony is a financial allowance a divorcing individual pays their spouse during or after the end of their marriage. Each state has distinct guidelines on awarding alimony and different types of alimony based on factors such as the length of the marriage, living situation, and personal finances. In Georgia law, several factors determine whether a spouse is responsible for supporting the other after divorce.

Two Types of Alimony

• Temporary

Temporary alimony is awarded during divorce proceedings. This type of alimony can be modified by the time divorce is finalized so a spouse without a job has a minimum of financial means to support themselves until they find employment. Although in Georgia courts, temporary alimony is generally awarded after the divorce. Temporary alimony is common in Georgia and is ordered as a way of helping a spouse maintain an income while they look for financial stability, especially when the receiving spouse is now living alone and/or seeking employment.

• Permanent

This type of alimony is rare, but can be awarded to older individuals who have little to no employment prospects. Permanent alimony typically applies to divorcees who are retired and consequently have a lower income than a working individual. However, this type of alimony may change if the spouse receiving alimony remarries, begins earning an adequate income, or otherwise becomes more financially stable.

Affecting Factors of Alimony in Georgia

• Length of marriage
• Standard of living during marriage
• Receiving spouse’s age, and physical and emotional condition
• Paying spouse’s financial situation
• Receiving spouse’s financial needs
• Contributions of value to marriage – including but not limited to, homemaking services, child care, education, and career building of the other spouse

In Georgia, although there are no set formulas used to calculate these factors into spousal support, the length of the marriage and standard of living during the marriage are considered the biggest factors when awarding alimony. The type and amount of alimony is generally based off of the needs of the spouse that could face financial stress due to the divorce.

When it comes to the standard of living, a family court judge takes a couple’s lifestyle during their time together into account. For example, if one spouse had to travel frequently for their husband or wife’s career and were unable to establish their own career, then that spouse may be able to qualify for alimony payments. This factor applies more often for couples with one spouse in the military.

Boudreaux Law Firm is Here for You During and After Your Divorce

Alimony depends on various factors in Georgia Law. Talk to us at Boudreaux Law Firm to get through a difficult and confusing time, and we’ll help prepare you for a newer, brighter future.