Alimony or “spousal support” can be a welcome source of financial security for many spouses. For others, it can cause financial burdens and stress. In order to approach your alimony case with confidence, you should take a moment to understand the various types of spousal support that may be possible. A Georgia alimony lawyer may be able to provide you with more specific information compared to online research. 

Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony is now relatively rare in Georgia. This type of spousal support is reserved for spouses emerging from long-term marriages, often lasting decades. Spouses who receive permanent alimony are often disabled or too elderly to work full-time. As a result, so-called “gray divorces” are more likely to result in permanent alimony. 

Temporary Alimony

Many spouses receive temporary alimony while their divorces are still pending. This alimony may end or continue at the conclusion of the divorce, depending on the circumstances. Temporary alimony is necessary because the courts have not yet determined whether the spouse in question should receive these payments. Until that decision is made, the court allows the spouse to receive temporary support. 

Periodic Alimony

This is a common type of alimony that lasts for a set amount of time. It is also common among older spouses, and it may last for decades or longer. Although it may not be permanent, it still represents a considerable burden for the paying spouse. 

Rehabilitative Alimony

This type of alimony is becoming increasingly common in divorce cases across Georgia. It may be necessary even after relatively short-term marriages, including those that have lasted 5 or more years. The logic behind rehabilitative alimony is to provide the receiving spouse with enough time and resources to become financially independent once again. Often, spouses use rehabilitative alimony to continue their education. These spouses might earn diplomas, certifications, or degrees to seek more favorable employment. 

Alimony is Not Guaranteed

It is important to remember that alimony is not guaranteed in Georgia. In many cases, courts decide that spouses should not receive these payments. Short-term marriages are unlikely to result in alimony – including marriages that last three years or less. Certain types of marital misconduct such as adultery may also disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony. 

This is something you might want to discuss with an experienced family law attorney – especially if you want to limit your alimony obligations. Alternatively, a lawyer can help you push back against allegations of misconduct as you try to preserve your right to access alimony after a divorce. 

Can an Alimony Lawyer in Georgia Help Me?

An experienced alimony lawyer in Georgia can help you understand what type of alimony you’re likely to receive (or pay). From there, your family law attorney can help you pursue positive outcomes – whether you’re trying to limit or maximize your alimony payments. To learn more about the potential next steps, contact Lankford & Moore Law today.