Georgia Alimony And Spousal Support Attorneys
Alimony, sometimes known as spousal support, is financial support provided by one ex-spouse to the other, in situations in which one spouse is in need of economic support. Alimony is gender-neutral, meaning that either party to the divorce can receive it. It is separate from child support, which are payments intended to be solely for the benefit and care of minor children.
Legal Separation (Maintenance Without Divorce)
In Georgia, there is no such thing as legal separation. However, there are situations in which a married couple may decide to live apart without getting a divorce. In those situations, our attorneys can advise you of your options and provide you with direction on how to pursue (or contest) the means of getting maintenance, or financial support from one spouse to the other, without getting a legal divorce.
How Courts Determine Alimony
Georgia courts will determine alimony based on the financial needs of each spouse. The goal of the courts in a contested divorce is to leave each party in a similar financial position post-divorce as experienced during the marriage.
Alimony can either be a lump-sum payment, a series of payments for a limited time, or ongoing payments for an indefinite period. When deciding alimony, courts will look to:
- Each party’s income
- Each party’s future earning potential
- The length of the marriage
- Contributions to the marriage, including for childcare and homemaking
- Any relevant medical conditions
- Other relevant contributing factors
Generally speaking, the longer the length of the marriage and the greater discrepancy in income and earning potential, the greater the likelihood that a significant amount of alimony will be awarded.
How We Can Help
When alimony may be an option, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the financial situation and all relevant information pertinent to the living situation of each party. At Tisdale Middleton & Land, our alimony lawyers work aggressively to compile evidence of the financial situation of each party. We will use private investigators, business valuation experts, and other tools as needed. We can ensure all sources of income are accounted for when deciding whether alimony is appropriate. We will argue decisively for the appropriate outcome in court.
Our attorneys negotiate from a position of strength because we are always thoroughly prepared for court.
We also frequently represent clients who require modification of existing alimony orders.
You can reach us at our office in Evans by calling 706-303-0734 or through this convenient online contact form. We respond promptly to inquiries.