If you are approaching retirement and you are paying alimony in Georgia, you might wonder whether you can stop these payments and enjoy some much-needed rest. On the other hand, you might be approaching divorce at an advanced age – knowing that you will need to pay alimony after the marriage ends. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand the concept of “retirement age” in the context of alimony in Georgia.
Why is Retirement Age Important for Alimony in Georgia?
Your retirement age is an important concept because when you retire, you may be allowed to stop making your alimony payments. The courts recognize that it does not make sense to force a senior to continue working until their death simply to pay alimony. Not only is this unethical, but it might also be impossible due to factors like disability, cognitive decline, and much more. However, you must file a petition to modify your alimony agreement after reaching retirement age.
The General Definition of Retirement Age in the United States
“Retirement age” is a somewhat elusive concept. On one hand, you might argue that retirement age is simply the age at which you decide to retire. On the other hand, various government organizations have much more specific definitions to consider.
According to the Social Security Administration, retirement age begins as “early” as 62. However, the SSA also states that you might have to wait until age 67 before enjoying the full range of retirement benefits. Your retirement age also depends on your date of birth, and later birthdays are generally associated with later retirement ages.
Retirement Age May Vary Depending on Your Profession
It is important to understand that retirement age also varies based on your profession. A normal retirement age for one profession might be much earlier – or later – than normal. For example, the normal retirement age for firefighters is quite early. In contrast, accountants generally retire much later.
Family courts in Georgia do not necessarily take SSA guidelines into account when approaching the question of retirement and alimony. They may be more inclined to consider the normal retirement age in the context of specific professions.
In other words, you could potentially end your alimony payments much earlier than age 67 if professionals in your field tend to retire younger. Depending on your profession, this could be as early as 60. Speak with an experienced alimony lawyer to learn more about stopping your alimony payments when you retire. You may already be eligible to retire and stop these payments.
Can an Alimony Lawyer in Georgia Help Me?
If you want to reduce or lower your alimony payments in Georgia, consider speaking with an experienced family law attorney today. If you are approaching your retirement age, you may be able to cease these payments and stop working once and for all. However, this process does not occur automatically – and you must petition for a modification before stopping your payments. To begin this process, speak with Lankford & Moore Law today.
