Spouses must protect their financial interests during and after divorce proceedings. There are considerations that must be made, and having the right legal support ensures that you have the resources you need for financial wellbeing.
Spouses who haven’t worked during the marriage period are particularly vulnerable to financial issues when facing a divorce.
In most states, alimony is awarded at the discretion of the courts. Understanding alimony in Georgia helps you determine whether you are entitled to the financial support you need.
Alimony in Georgia Courts
Alimony consists of financial awards made to one party during or after a divorce. Alimony can be determined by the courts or through the mutual agreement of both spouses.
In Georgia, court judges may grant alimony to either spouse if the courts deem it necessary. State laws consider spouses to be financially responsible for each other until the divorce is finalized regardless of whether or not they have separated.
But alimony in Georgia isn’t applied in the same broad manner as it is in other states. Court judges will grant alimony for short- or long-term periods depending on the circumstances of each case.
Factors such as the ability of one spouse to pay alimony to the other are considered. Short-term alimony can help one party meet their financial obligations and acquire skills that improve their employability.
Long-term alimony can be granted for life in some cases. But this typically only in cases where one spouse is unable to earn an income due to health issues.
When Are You Eligible for Alimony?
Spouses who haven’t worked during a marriage may seek alimony for the duration of the divorce proceedings or as a long-term agreement after the divorce has been finalized. In either case, it’s unlikely that they’ll be required to secure employment during the divorce proceedings.
In most cases, the financial arrangements that existed during the marriage period must be maintained until the divorce is final. This ensures that all bills are paid during this time and that no marital assets are lost.
The factors that determine the amount of alimony include the length of the marriage period, the standard of living that was established during that time, and the assets of each spouse.
A person’s health and age, their ability to earn income in the future, and the contribution made by each spouse during the marriage are also included when awarding alimony.
The courts may also deem other relevant factors equitable during a divorce. So working with the right legal professional ensures that you get the alimony you deserve during or after your divorce.
Future Financial Support
Spouses who weren’t employed during a marriage may lack the skills needed to earn an income after a divorce has been finalized. But obtaining financial support from a spouse isn’t guaranteed.
Lack of employability can be taken into account by the court judge. But in some cases, spouses who request alimony may be asked to undergo a vocational assessment. This determines how much a person might earn when returning to the workforce.
The results of this assessment can also be considered by the judge and may influence the alimony you ultimately receive.
Temporary spousal support may be granted to give one spouse the resources needed to develop new skills and earn an income.
Permanent or long-term alimony will often be granted to older spouses after marriages that exceeded a 10-year period. This alimony may be valid until the death of either spouse or until a remarriage occurs.
The alimony you receive (or don’t) depends on the decision of the court judge. Understanding Georgia laws related to alimony and having the legal solutions you need to obtain financial support will support your case.
If you didn’t work during the marriage, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will receive alimony. Gathering and presenting the right evidence increases the likelihood of having a secure financial future.