If you are thinking divorce in Atlanta, or your spouse wishes to divorce you, there is a major possibility that part of the negotiations will include the payment of alimony.
How much alimony is paid and to whom depends on many factors, the main one being how the income is divided between the spouses during the time that the divorce is being determined and thereafter. In addition, as part of the divorce proceedings, the duration of the alimony is agreed on as well as the terms of the payment, such as a lump sum or regular payments,
In the State of Georgia, alimony depends on the financial needs of the each of the parties and also takes into account the projected future earning ability of each spouse. It is not based on gender, so not only the woman can be awarded alimony, but also the husband, if he is unable to earn money and the wife is deemed to be able to pay.
There are two types of alimony under Georgia law. Temporary, which can be awarded during the process of the divorce and permanent, which is written down as part of the final divorce decree and includes how it will be paid and by whom.
The amount of the payment is based on how the spouses lived during the marriage, how long they were married for and how much they each earn. The payments will usually only end on the death of either spouse or if the recipient of the alimony remarries. The payments can be changed, however, if either party has a material change in circumstances, either for the better, or worse.
