How Long Do I Have to Pay Alimony in GA?
Our Gwinnett County divorce attorneys are dedicated to defending your rights when it comes to having to make alimony payments.
In addition to the stress of going through a divorce in Georgia and the impact it has on your family, orders issued in these proceedings can jeopardize your financial security for years afterward. This is particularly true in cases where a judge orders alimony. Find out how these amounts are awarded and how long you will be expected to make payments.
Alimony Payments in Gwinnett County
When filing for a divorce through the Gwinnett County Courts, there are certain matters which must be resolved before a final divorce order can be issued. These generally pertain to money, property, and rights regarding any children of the marriage. Depending on various factors in your case, determinations regarding alimony or spousal support payments to your spouse will also need to be made.
You may be required to begin making alimony payments before your divorce case is even resolved. Temporary spousal support and maintenance orders are common and may end up being included as part of your final divorce settlement. Factors a judge will consider in making these orders include:
- The standard of living established during the marriage;
- The duration of the marriage;
- The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties;
- The financial resources of each party;
- Where applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him or her to find appropriate employment;
- The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party;
- The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of the parties; and
- Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.
Stopping Alimony Payments
Laws pertaining to alimony payments are found under Section 19, Title 6, Article 1 of the Georgia Code. However, the judge in your case will determine the exact amount and the duration of time in which it should be paid. This is generally based both on your spouse’s needs and the length of your marriage. If you have a pre- or post-nuptial agreement in place, this may limit alimony or the length of time it should be paid.
Alimony generally stops once your spouse remarries. Other circumstances that may warrant either stopping alimony payments or reducing the amount owed include:
- A change in the income or financial status of the supported or payor spouse; or
- The supported spouse’s voluntary cohabitation, continuously and openly, with a third party in a romantic and/or sexual relationship.
Contact Our Gwinnett County Alimony Attorneys Today
At Zimmerman & Associates, we act as a strong advocate on your side in divorce proceedings. This includes taking actions to prevent alimony payments, reducing the amount required, or limiting payment duration. To protect yourself and your rights in these matters, call or contact our Norcross alimony attorneys online and request a consultation today.