In the state of Georgia, dissolution of marriage and divorce are one and the same, and if you are in the process of going through a divorce you likely want to know how much alimony you can expect to receive. Alimony is also called spousal support. Spouse A pays Spouse B because Spouse B is no longer receiving the benefit of Spouse A’s income following the dissolution of the marriage.
In some cases, the alimony payments to Spouse B can begin during the process of divorce. This happens only by court order. These payments typically only last the time necessary for the court to finalize the divorce proceedings. At that time, the court will determine the details of alimony payments following the divorce.
It is difficult to tell you exactly how much alimony you can expect in a dissolution of marriage. However, there are certain factors Georgia courts will consider, including:
- How many years the couple has been married
- Age and health of each spouse
- Both spouses’ individual contributions to the marital assets
- Each spouse’s financial situation
- Standard of living each spouse enjoyed during the marriage
- Value of any property each spouse may possess
- Each spouse’s ability to earn an income
- Each spouse’s debt
- The length of time it will take each party to gain enough education or experience to obtain gainful employment.
3 Different Types of Alimony in Georgia
There are actually three different forms of alimony the judge may order, depending on your divorce situation: Permanent Alimony, Rehabilitative Alimony and Periodic Alimony.
If the court orders permanent alimony, Spouse A will continue paying Spouse B the determined alimony payments until Spouse B dies or remarries. Alimony may be money. Or, it may take other forms. In some cases alimony allows a spouse to live in the couple’s former home without having to pay mortgage or rent.
The court may order rehabilitative alimony. This allows Spouse B time to gain education or experience in order to work toward being financially independent. An example would be a parent who has been out of the workforce while raising children. In such a case, the court may order Spouse A to pay alimony to help Spouse B gain education or experience to obtain gainful employment.
In the case of periodic alimony, the spouse typically pays out at regular intervals, such as monthly or bi-weekly. Spouse A will be required to continue paying Spouse B at the intervals for as long as the court orders it. Georgia courts reserve the right to modify the alimony award or intervals of payment if financial situations change for either spouse.
When is Alimony Unlikely in Dissolution of Marriage?
If a spouse is the cause of the dissolution of marriage, the court is unlikely to award this spouse any alimony. For example, a divorce may result from desertion or adultery. The deserting or adulterous spouse should not expect alimony.
Need more information about alimony or dissolution of marriage in the state of Georgia? Our team at Reeder Law Firm is here to help. Need help with your dissolution of marriage? Contact our professional family law attorneys in Alpharetta today for a free consultation.
