Practice Areas

Alimony & Spousal Support

What is the Definition of Alimony?

Alimony which may also be referred to as spousal support are payments made from one spouse (or ex-spouse) to another for their support.

In Georgia, alimony is not a right, but it can be appropriate in certain situations and awarded over time or in one lump sum after a divorce settlement. The award of alimony will not be solely based on the needs of one spouse, but also the ability of the other spouse to pay alimony.

  • When determining whether alimony is to be awarded, courts may consider a number of things, including:
    One spouses’ ability to pay
    The standard of living enjoyed by the couple
    The dependent spouse’s ability to secure employment
    Whether the requesting spouse worked during the marriage
    How long the marriage lasted
    The income, assets and debts of each spouse
    The earning potential of each spouse
    The age of each spouse at the end of the divorce
    Marital fault