Alimony Modification
More Family Topics
Alimony Modification
Learn about laws regarding changing your alimony or spousal support payment amounts in Georgia
How to Change Alimony Payments
Yes, it is sometimes possible to successfully petition a family court to lower the ordered rate of alimony payments. The process to lower alimony has set criteria which must be met. Lowering alimony doesn't occur simply due to filing a request with the court. Let's first explore, the type and purpose of alimony . . .
What is Alimony (Spousal Support)
Spousal support, aka alimony, is a payment one person makes to their ex-spouse to compensate for a significant loss in income due to divorce. Spousal support is most often awarded when a long-term married could divorces, and one spouse has low potential for earning a livable income.
Lowering Lump Sum Alimony
Lump sum alimony is a single, one-time payment made to an ex-spouse. When the amount is determined by the court you won't be able to lower it. It is what it is.
Lowering Temporary Spousal Support
Temporary spousal support is typically awarded to provide income to a divorcing spouse during the divorce process. Lowering temporary spousal support is usually impractical, if not impossible.
Lowering Permanent Spousal Support
"Permanent" spousal support typically has a defined end date. Although it is required for a limited amount of time, there are circumstances which open the door to having payments lowered or terminated.
Modification of Spousal Support
Lowering Spousal Support
Support Modification is a hot topic throughout the time period where support payments are required. Often, a person’s income changes substantially which directly impacts the “need for” or “ability to pay” financial support. If this is the case in your life you will be interested in our divorce modification services.
Ending Spousal Support
The order for spousal support payments typically has a natural expiration date. Aside from this, a significant change in life circumstances of your ex-spouse may be cause to terminate support at an earlier point.
The requirement to make spousal support payments can be stopped if one of several circumstances comes to be;
- The receiving spouse has a windfall income (lottery winnings, inheritance, etc.)
- The receiving spouse has a significant increase in earned income (better paying job).
- The receiving spouse gets remarried.
Inversely, a paying spouse may be able to get alimony payment reduced if they can prove they are in an involuntary financial hardship that does not appear to be short-term.