The specific length of your alimony depends on your unique situation, although a lump-sum payment may be possible if you want to get it out of the way as soon as possible. While alimony may seem like a considerable financial burden, an experienced family law attorney in Georgia can suggest and implement all kinds of potential solutions.
Your Alimony Usually Depends on the Length of Your Marriage
Unlike many other states, Georgia does not use a specific calculation method to determine how long your alimony payments should last. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that the longer your marriage, the longer your alimony will be.
Your alimony will almost certainly last less than your marriage. Some courts tend to enforce alimony that lasts 33% of the marriage in question. For example, a 12-year marriage would lead to four years of alimony. However, this rule only applies to “periodic” alimony, and there are other types to consider.
Another popular option today is rehabilitative alimony. This type is generally much shorter, lasting just long enough to prepare your ex for re-entry into the workforce. Often, rehabilitative alimony pays for a college degree, a diploma, or some other kind of certification. As a result, rehabilitative alimony typically lasts just a few years (usually not more than four).
What if I Want to Pay Off the Alimony All at Once?
If you do not like the idea of having to make monthly payments to your ex, consider lump-sum alimony instead. With this approach, you’ll transfer a single sum of cash to your ex, and you will never have to worry about alimony again.
Obviously, this is only possible for those who actually have considerable savings. One of the benefits is that your ex cannot modify (increase) the alimony at a later date. Once they receive that sum, you can wipe your hands clean of the whole affair and move on with your life.
On the other hand, this also means that you cannot modify your alimony if you need to at a later date. If you choose periodic alimony, you can always petition the court to reduce or eliminate this burden if your circumstances change. For example, you might become disabled or lose your job.
Most Alimony Does Not Last Very Long
Since the average divorce occurs after eight years of marriage, you shouldn’t have to pay alimony for very long. Most spouses only have to pay these sums for a few years. If your marriage was quite short (two years or less), the court may determine that you shouldn’t have to pay alimony at all. Speak with your lawyer about strategies to reduce or eliminate your alimony.
Can a Georgia Alimony Attorney Help Me?
An alimony attorney in Georgia may be able to help if you are serious about addressing this burden as quickly and as effectively as possible. Sometimes, lump-sum payments make more sense for those who do not appreciate the idea of dealing with this financial burden for years. On the other hand, your alimony may be over much faster than you realize. Speak with Lankford & Moore Law to explore your options today.
