Family Law

Alimony

Alimony is an allowance out of one party's estate made for the support of the other party when living separately. It can either be temporary or permanent. In determining whether to grant alimony, the court will consider evidence of the conduct of one party towards the other. Permanent alimony is awarded based upon the needs of one party versus the ability of the other party to pay. In determining the other spouse's ability to pay, the court may consider, among other factors:

  • Position in society
  • Manner and style of living
  • Present earnings
  • General financial condition, including all resources such as real or personal property, stocks, bonds, and other intangibles.

In addition to the above, the amount of permanent alimony can be determined by looking to the following factors:

  • Standard of living established during the marriage.
  • Duration of the marriage.
  • The age, physical and emotional condition of both parties for the financial resources of each party.
  • Where applicable, the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable him or her to find appropriate employment.
  • Contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to services rendering in homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party.
  • The condition of the parties, including the separate estate earning capacity and fixed liabilities of the parties.
  • Such other relevant factors as the court deems equitable and proper.

As this short summary of Georgia alimony law shows, the award of alimony in each case varies greatly, depending upon the facts of each case. There are not many explicit guidelines, when determining the proper amount of alimony to be awarded, and it is up to the skill and experience of the family law team at Meriwether & Tharp LLP to either defend an alimony claim or obtain alimony on your behalf to support you in the future.

Contact the Atlanta family law attorneys of Meriwether & Tharp at (678) 879-9000 or email us at familylaw@mtlawoffice.com to defend or obtain your alimony claim.

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