Advocating For Your Interests In Spousal Support Disputes
Divorce can have a significant financial impact on both spouses. In Georgia, the spouse who faces the most significant financial impact may request spousal support to maintain their standard of living. Determining which spouse provides support, how much they will provide and for how long can be daunting to handle alone.
Attorney Jeff Hicks, our lead family law attorney at The Hicks Law Group, PC, can help advocate for your interests when determining spousal support in Gwinnett County, whether you are the one paying for or receiving it.
The Types Of Spousal Support Available In Georgia
Several types of spousal support are available in Georgia, depending on the circumstances. They can include:
- Temporary support: Temporary spousal support can help the lower earning spouse maintain the living standards until the divorce gets finalized.
- Permanent support: Permanent spousal support is typically for spouses who cannot become self-sufficient due to age, health or other factors.
- Rehabilitative support: Rehabilitative spousal support can provide financial assistance to a spouse while they gain the education or training necessary to support themselves.
Jeff can help you understand which type of support might apply to your situation and how to pursue it.
Factors That Can Influence Spousal Support
The factors that courts review when determining spousal support can include:
- How long the couple was married
- The couple’s standard of living
- Each spouse’s financial resources
- How much each spouse contributed to the marriage
- How much each spouse contributed to parenting and raising the kids
- The age of each spouse
- The mental and physical health of each spouse
Jeff is committed to keeping your needs, interests and goals when advocating for your spousal support needs in front of a Georgia family law judge.
How The Hicks Law Group, PC Can Help
Attorney Jeff Hicks understands the emotional and financial challenges that accompany divorce and spousal support matters. His friendly and approachable demeanor and confident legal representation ensure you receive the personalized attention you deserve. Whether you are negotiating spousal support or seeking modifications to an existing order, Jeff will diligently advocate for your interests throughout every step of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spousal Support In Georgia
Jeff regularly addresses important questions from clients navigating spousal support matters in Georgia. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.
What disqualifies you from alimony in Georgia?
Several factors can disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony in Georgia. The most significant disqualifier is adultery committed by the spouse seeking support. Georgia law specifically prohibits awarding alimony to a spouse who committed adultery during the marriage.
Additionally, desertion or abandonment of the marriage can serve as grounds for denial. Courts may also deny alimony if the requesting spouse has sufficient financial resources to maintain their standard of living independently.
How long does spousal support last in Georgia?
The duration of spousal support varies based on the type awarded and individual circumstances. Temporary support lasts only until the divorce is finalized. Rehabilitative support typically continues for a specific period while the receiving spouse gains education or job training to become self-sufficient.
Permanent support may last indefinitely, particularly in long-term marriages where one spouse cannot achieve financial independence due to age or health issues. However, permanent support typically ends upon death of either party, remarriage of the receiving spouse or cohabitation with a romantic partner.
Can spousal support be modified in Georgia?
Yes, spousal support can be modified in Georgia when there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting either party’s financial situation. Common reasons for modification include job loss, significant income changes, disability, retirement or changes in the receiving spouse’s financial needs.
The party seeking modification must petition the court and demonstrate that the change in circumstances is substantial, continuing and involuntary. Courts will review the same factors considered in the original spousal support determination when evaluating modification requests.
Can I appeal a spousal support decision in Georgia?
Yes, spousal support decisions can be appealed in Georgia, but appeals are limited to questions of law rather than factual determinations. You must file your appeal within 30 days of the final order. Appeals typically focus on whether the trial court properly applied Georgia law or followed correct legal procedures.
Do I need an attorney to request spousal support in Georgia?
While you are not legally required to have an attorney, spousal support cases involve complex legal and financial considerations that benefit from professional representation. Jeff can help you understand your rights, gather necessary financial documentation, present compelling arguments to the court and negotiate favorable terms with your spouse’s attorney.
Have More Questions? Speak With Jeff Today.
You don’t have to deal with navigating spousal support alone; attorney Jeff Hicks is here to help. Learn more about what he can do for you by calling 678-894-9097 or visiting our firm’s contact page.