Supporting yourself after divorce in Georgia

It can be difficult to afford the cost of a separate household after divorce. This concern especially affects those who have left the workforce to raise children or support their partner’s career.

If this situation sounds familiar, learn more about seeking spousal support in Georgia.

Types of spousal support

Georgia courts can award temporary or permanent spousal support, also called alimony. Temporary support generally lasts until the separation date until the divorce becomes final. At that point, the judge may also order permanent support. Despite the name, however, this type of alimony usually has a time limit. It also ends if the spouse receiving alimony remarries or enters another long-term relationship that changes his or her standard of living.

Factors in alimony decisions

Georgia law says that spouses must support one another. If you have become financially dependent on another person during your marriage, you may be eligible for alimony. The state will review both spouses’ earnings, assets and income to make this determination, including child support ordered during the divorce proceedings. Georgia also considers marital fault such as infidelity committed by either party but does not determine child custody.

As for the amount of spousal support, the judge decides based on the factors in each case. Georgia does not have an established calculation for this purpose. The court may require mediation when one spouse requests alimony.

Couples can also make their own decisions about spousal support outside of court. For example, they can create a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement with provisions for alimony in the event of divorce.