In Georgia, a judgment for permanent alimony for the support of a spouse “shall be subject to revision upon petition filed by either former spouse showing a change in the income and financial status of either former spouse.” OCGA §19-6-19(a). For example, if the alimony payor loses his job, he may seek a downward modification based upon his decrease in income. In addition, if the alimony payee suddenly receives a large sum of money, through inheritance for example, the payor may seek to modify based upon this change in financial status. Conversely, the payee may seek upward modification if the payor’s income increases or if the payee’s income decreases.
Like child support modifications, no petition for alimony modification may be filed “within a period of two years from the date of the final order on a previous petition by the same former spouse.” Id. It should also be noted that a petition for modification of alimony can only be filed in cases of “weekly, monthly, annual, or similar periodic payments.” OCGA§19-6-21. Lump sum alimony cannot be modified. Id.