Atlanta Divorce Service
Alimony & Spousal Support
Navigating the complexities of alimony and spousal support is a critical aspect of divorce proceedings. At Barnhart Family Law, we are committed to providing clear guidance and dedicated representation to ensure your financial interests are protected.
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Alimony attorney in Georgia
Understanding Alimony in Georgia
In Georgia, alimony—also known as spousal support—is not automatically granted in divorce cases. It is considered based on specific circumstances and can be awarded either temporarily or permanently. Temporary alimony provides financial support during the divorce process, while permanent alimony continues after the divorce is finalized.
Regardless of your alimony needs or circumstance, we’re here to help you achieve the outcomes you deserve.
Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions
Several factors influence the court’s decision to award alimony, including:
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Duration of the Marriage: Longer marriages may have a higher likelihood of alimony awards.
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Standard of Living: The court considers the standard of living established during the marriage.
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Financial Resources: Each spouse’s income, assets, and financial obligations are evaluated.
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Age and Health: The physical and emotional condition of both spouses can impact alimony decisions.
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Contributions to the Marriage: This includes both financial contributions and non-financial support, such as homemaking or assisting in the other spouse’s career.
Importantly, if one spouse’s misconduct led to the separation, it could affect alimony eligibility.
Types of Alimony
Georgia law recognizes two primary types of alimony, each serving a distinct purpose in the divorce process.
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony provides financial support to one spouse during the divorce proceedings. Divorce can be a lengthy process, and in many cases, one spouse may need immediate assistance to cover living expenses while legal matters are resolved. Temporary alimony ensures that a financially dependent spouse can maintain stability until a final divorce settlement is reached.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony, though less common than temporary support, is awarded in cases where one spouse is unlikely to achieve financial independence after the divorce. This is often seen in marriages where one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the family, such as staying home to raise children.
Modifying your Alimony Agreement
Life changes such as job loss, remarriage, or significant health issues can necessitate modifications to alimony agreements. At Barnhart Family Law, we assist clients in petitioning for alimony modifications to ensure that support arrangements remain fair and reflective of current circumstances.
Where We work
Servicing Greater Atlanta
While our practice is conveniently located in North Buckhead/Sandy Springs, we have successfully fought for clients across greater Atlanta and are licensed to practice anywhere in the state of Georgia.