What is Alimony?

Alimony, termed spousal support in Georgia, is an allowance out of one party’s separate estate, made for the support of the other party when living separately or divorced. Although spousal support is never guaranteed, alimony takes shape in the form of court ordered payments from one spouse to another.

In Georgia, types of alimony may be short term spousal support, or long term or permanent spousal support. Alimony is usually one of the most hotly contested issues in a divorce case. Whether you are requesting alimony or fighting spousal support payment, hiring an experienced divorce attorney is essential for achieving a successful outcome. Unlike child support in Georgia, with alimony there are no worksheets, guidelines, or formulas for courts or attorneys to follow.

The situation and circumstances for every divorcing couple is different. Every alimony award is unique to the financial situation in each case. Additionally, factors such as adultery, and inability to make a living, are considered when a court decides if alimony will be granted, how long will it be required, and the amount of any payments.

This matter of spousal support in Georgia is at the discretion of the court based upon the factors they are required to consider. In short, alimony is an extremely ambiguous area of the law.