Gwinnett County Spousal Support Lawyer
After a marriage ends, it may be necessary for one spouse to continue to support the other for some time. This is known as spousal support or alimony. In Georgia, spousal support is not guaranteed after a divorce and is not applicable in all marriages. Instead, certain factors must exist for a former spouse to demonstrate a need for spousal support, and the court will only award alimony if the spouse shows that it is necessary and the other party has the ability to pay.
This process may appear to be unfair. Perhaps one spouse feels they should not have to support their former spouse anymore, as they are no longer married. Or maybe a former spouse has given up some aspect of their life, perhaps a job, to contribute to the marriage and feels they are owed some support for their sacrifice.
These differing perspectives often lead to conflict. Fighting over alimony can be a very ugly aspect in a divorce, but a Gwinnett County spousal support lawyer can assist you in making a fair determination of appropriate support. Let one of our family law attorneys assist you in obtaining or refuting the need for spousal support payments.
Types of Spousal Support
While each state has its own spousal support guidelines, under Georgia Code Section 19-6-1, the state recognizes two types of alimony. The first and more common form is temporary alimony.
Temporary alimony is typically awarded to allow one spouse to get back to the place they were before the marriage or to be able to support themselves. This is designed to be a short-term solution and allows the spouse to go back to school or take on skills that will allow them to compete in the job market and secure employment. This type of spousal support is usually awarded when one of the spouses has given up employment to stay home and care for children or engage in other domestic duties. Additionally, this support may be paid out during divorce proceedings and before the final divorce decree.
The other type of spousal support is permanent alimony. Permanent alimony is not necessarily permanent but is intended to last longer than rehabilitative alimony. When one spouse is unable to work, due to disability or illness, they may receive permanent alimony. These support payments may be ended by the death of either spouse or if the receiving spouse remarries or cohabits long-term with a romantic partner.
Factors in Determining Spousal Support in Gwinnett
Although there are general guidelines when determining alimony, each case is different. Pursuant to Section 19-6-5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, courts will look at a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
- The duration of the marriage;
- The age and physical condition of each spouse;
- The contributions each party made during the marriage;
- The earning potential of each spouse; and
- The financial condition of each spouse.
These factors will help the court determine what type of support is owed, an appropriate amount, and how long the support should be paid. An experienced alimony lawyer can explain other factors that may impact spousal support in a specific situation.
Get Help from a Spousal Support Attorney Today
Understandably, spousal support can be an uncomfortable subject after the end of a marriage. If you have questions regarding alimony, including modifying current support orders, reach out to a Gwinnett County spousal support lawyer today.
Consulting with an attorney can assist you in making a fair determination of what you are legally entitled to. Our team can help you understand the different factors that may affect an alimony award and create a thorough plan to help create a mutually beneficial agreement. Get in touch with our intake team today to learn more.
