What is Alimony? Alimony Defined
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Once it is determined that alimony is appropriate in a particular case, the court will look at the "needs" of the receiving party and compare that to the paying party's "ability to pay." This analysis will give the court a general idea of whether one spouse has a real legitimate need for alimony and if the other spouse can realistically afford to pay alimony. Next, the court will consider 8 Alimony Factors according to Georgia law. The court will match up each factor with the individual unique facts of the particular case and then make a fair and equitable determination as to the monthly amount of alimony the must be paid. To learn more about the 8 factors and calculating alimony feel free to read more below.
Does Adultery/Cheating Affect Alimony?
Yes. Adultery and cheating by the recipient spouse could actually bar that spouse from asking for alimony. For adultery to bar a party from being able to seek alimony, it must be shown that the adultery was the cause of the divorce or separation. Additionally, the adultery must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. There are several issues regarding adultery and how to prove it. Fell free to read more.
When Does Alimony End?
Permanent alimony for life is extremely rare in Georgia. Typically the longer a marriage is, the longer the paying spouse will make payments and vice versa. Alimony is typically court ordered for a specific set amount of time. Once that time is up, the alimony payments may stop. There are a three circumstances that could cause alimony to end or terminate early.
Remarriage
Death of Either Spouse
Cohabitation
Types of Alimony
There are four different types of alimony in Georgia.
Periodic Alimony
Lump Sum Alimony
Temporary Alimony
Permanent Alimony
Can you Modify Alimony?
Yes. Life happens and circumstances change. Alimony may no longer be appropriate. After a divorce matter is concluded and a Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce is entered in the matter, an action for a modification of alimony may be filed by either of the former spouses to seek a reduction or increase in the amount of alimony paid.
