After a divorce, many spouses find themselves in less than certain economic circumstances. They may have very little education, and they may have focused entirely on their role as homemakers or stay-at-home parents during the marriage. Others may have partially completed various degrees or certifications but were forced to put this all on hold due to the demands of the marriage. In these situations, alimony can help spouses become financially independent once again. But can your spousal support in Georgia really pay for college?
What Does Rehabilitative Alimony Cover in Georgia?
If you are wondering whether your alimony might cover college costs, you may be entitled to rehabilitative alimony. Also known as “temporary support,” this type of alimony is specifically intended to help spouses become financially independent once again. Although it might be temporary, it can cover the costs associated with job training, certification, and in some cases, college degrees.
That being said, you need to be realistic about what your alimony can cover. Remember, your alimony is a reflection of your ex’s earning capacity. Tuition costs can be quite expensive in Georgia, and your ex might not earn enough per year to realistically cover these expenses. On the other hand, a spouse with a high income may be ordered to cover the cost of your college tuition.
One of the key steps in this process is to show the court that this additional education is vital for your continued financial independence. This means that you may need to choose a degree or certification that translates directly into new work opportunities. Because of this, it may be challenging to have certain degrees covered by rehabilitative alimony. For example, a degree in philosophy or history may be interesting, but it could be challenging to get a job with this certification.
On the other hand, you are much more likely to be granted rehabilitative alimony that covers an affordable educational journey that will provide you with immediate work opportunities. According to Work Source Atlanta, some of the most in-demand jobs today include insurance sales agents, flight attendants, dental assistants, and preschool teachers. If you aim for accreditation in these in-demand jobs, there may be a higher chance of courts ordering rehabilitative alimony that covers the cost of job training.
Generally speaking, courts require you to lay out a defined, highly-specific plan for economic independence. The more realistic and detailed your plan, the more likely it becomes to receive funding for your training. This is something you can develop alongside your divorce attorney.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Georgia?
If you have been searching for a divorce attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses throughout the Georgia area, and we know that alimony can often seem complex and confusing. With our help, you can approach this process in a confident, efficient manner. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
