What to Know About Spousal Support in a Georgia Divorce
If you’re preparing for divorce in Georgia, understanding how alimony works is crucial—especially if you relied on your spouse’s income and have not worked during all, or part of, your marriage. One of the most common questions we get is: “How much alimony can I receive?” The answer depends on your specific situation, as Georgia courts don’t follow a strict formula like they do with child support.
What Is Alimony in Georgia?
Alimony—also known as spousal support—is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. It may be temporary (while the divorce is pending) or long-term (after the divorce is finalized). The goal is to help the receiving spouse maintain a lifestyle reasonably similar to what they had during the marriage.
Factors That Affect Alimony in Georgia
Georgia law gives judges broad discretion when deciding whether to award alimony and how much. Some of the key factors include:
- The length of the marriage
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Each spouse’s income, education, and earning capacity
- The physical and emotional health of both spouses
- Contributions to the marriage (including as a homemaker)
- Whether either spouse engaged in marital misconduct, such as adultery
Alimony is more likely when one spouse was financially dependent on the other, especially in longer marriages.
How Much Can I Receive?
There’s no set amount or percentage for alimony in Georgia. The court will determine a fair amount based on the factors above. Generally, the more significant the income gap—and the greater the financial need—the higher the potential alimony award.
Alimony can be paid monthly or in a lump sum, and may be for a limited time (rehabilitative alimony) or paid for longer periods of time, depending on the circumstances.
Can Alimony Be Modified?
Yes—Georgia allows alimony to be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, like a job loss, health issue, or the recipient’s remarriage or cohabitation.
How Our Georgia Family Law Firm Can Help
Alimony is a complex and often emotional issue in divorce. Our experienced team at Platt Family can help you understand your rights, advocate for fair support, and ensure you’re financially protected during and after your divorce.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about what kind of alimony you may be entitled to under Georgia law.
