Alimony Lawyers in Atlanta, GA — Fighting to Ensure Spousal Support Orders Are Fair for Our Clients

In a perfect world, there would be no need for the divorce process. Unfortunately, the fact is that marriages are often imperfect. At times, they simply weren’t meant to be. If marital bliss is in your rearview mirror, there are a variety of issues you’ll need to figure out during a divorce. One of the most important is spousal support, and an alimony lawyer in Atlanta, GA can assist you with this matter.

At the Family Lawyers of Atlanta, our team of Georgia divorce lawyers is committed to representing clients in and around the capital. We understand how difficult divorce cases can be, and we know that navigating the involved issues can be stressful and confusing. A divorce attorney at our family law firm can help you understand your rights — along with whether you’re entitled to spousal support or may have to make these payments.

How Do Alimony Payments Work in Georgia?

When former partners decide to divorce, it’s possible that a judge may order spousal support as part of the divorce decree. This issue is wholly separate from any child support or child custody dispute. These payments are meant to provide financial support to one spouse for a specific amount of time. The courts will consider the economic needs of one party relative to the ability of the other to pay.

Unlike child support calculations, there is no predetermined formula that specifies how much one spouse will have to pay to the other and for how long. However, the following factors are considered when making such decisions:

Length of marriage
Marital standard of living
Physical condition, age, and earning potential of receiving spouse
Debts, earning capacity, and financial situation of paying spouse
Marital contributions that are valuable but not monetary

If you ask a dozen experienced divorce lawyers in Georgia, they’ll likely all agree that spousal support payments can sometimes seem arbitrary and subjective. This is why it’s so important to speak with an alimony lawyer in Atlanta, GA. They can help you understand the unique circumstances of your case and how to seek the best outcome.

They can also help you prepare for the different types of spousal support that courts may order, described in detail below:

Temporary Spousal Support

These payments are typically ordered for the duration of divorce proceedings. If someone needs financial support while their divorce plays out in court, a family law attorney can help them request alimony. However, these orders will typically end once a final divorce decree has been issued.

Permanent Spousal Support

The end of temporary spousal support does not necessarily end alimony obligations. If they feel it’s appropriate, a judge may order permanent spousal support. However, keep in mind that this is rarely actually permanent. Alimony will typically end once the receiving spouse has time to receive training and support themselves. If one party is unable to support themselves due to disease or advanced age, though, indefinite support orders are possible.

How Can Divorce Lawyers Help With Spousal Support?

If you’re trying to have an uncontested divorce, you might decide that you don’t need an attorney. After all, there’s an entire industry of legal websites that has convinced folks they don’t need a divorce lawyer to end their marriage. Unfortunately, the dangers of using such services are well-known in the industry. More importantly, a legal professional can prove invaluable for situations involving alimony, even if you’re trying to keep things amicable.

That’s because a GA divorce lawyer can help you understand the entirety of your situation. You’ll make decisions and agreements with your former partner based on what you believe the facts are. However, you may not fully understand the facts without legal assistance. For instance, did you know that abandonment and adultery could completely remove a person’s right to request spousal support?

It’s also important for you to understand the issues that could result in higher or lower alimony payments in Georgia. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t take a collaborative approach to ending your marriage. If you want to ensure a fair outcome for everyone, though, you should speak with an Atlanta divorce lawyer prior to making major decisions.

Is Alimony Required Under Georgia Family Law?

While spousal support payments are possible after a Georgia divorce, they are not mandatory by any stretch. As discussed earlier, issues such as abandonment and adultery could remove an individual’s ability to seek alimony. However, keep in mind that these matters are unlikely to affect issues such as child custody and support. Unless the well-being of a child is in danger, abandonment and adultery will only affect potential spousal support.

However, this isn’t the only situation where a court may not issue an alimony order. Put simply; these payments are meant to help one spouse remain financially stable or maintain a standard of living for a certain amount of time. If the divorce will not affect either spouse’s ability to care for themselves, there’s a solid chance that no spousal support order will be issued. However, there’s no way to perfectly predict how a court will rule.

This is why you should have an Atlanta alimony lawyer on your side. Contact our law firm today for assistance.

Contact Our Alimony Lawyers in Atlanta, GA Today

Divorce is a difficult endeavor regardless of your individual circumstances. Even when two former partners want to remain amicable, issues related to marital assets, child custody, and child support can complicate things. However, matters such as alimony still have the potential to disrupt an otherwise straightforward process, even when minimal assets and no children are involved. This is why you need a skilled and experienced attorney on your side.

At the Family Lawyers of Atlanta, that’s exactly what our legal team offers. Spousal support laws in Georgia can be complex, and if you’re not careful, you could end up in a situation that’s unfair to you. Whether you’re seeking alimony, trying to avoid these payments or believe that a modification order is appropriate, our Georgia family law attorneys are here to help. Contact us today by calling (404) 418-7777 to schedule your free consultation.

Let our dedicated alimony lawyers in Atlanta, GA advocate for your best interests.