Alimony is a support payment by one spouse to another. The amount and duration of an alimony award are completely within the discretion of the court. There is no formula for determining how much alimony you may pay or receive, nor for how long you may pay or receive alimony. The discretionary nature of an alimony award makes it all the more important you have competent legal representation to ensure the divorce does not adversely impact your financial stability.
As a general rule, alimony is based on one party’s need and the ability of the other part to pay. Factors considered when awarding alimony include:
- Whether the adultery or desertion of the party seeking alimony caused the dissolution of the marriage;
- Length of the marriage;
- Health of each party;
- Assets of each party;
- Contributions of each party to homemaking and child rearing; and
- Contributions of each party to the career building of the other party.
Alimony may be for a limited period of time or until the spouse receiving alimony dies or remarries. Alimony may be paid in one lump sum or over time.
Our Atlanta divorce lawyers understand the financial repercussions of divorce and alimony. The attorneys at V&T Law have expertise and experience in the Georgia laws that affect you during this time of turmoil. Contact us at (404) 921-3595 or use the contact form on the left.
