Kennesaw Spousal Support Lawyer

Kennesaw Spousal Support Attorney

One of the most contested and complex issues surrounding divorce in Georgia is spousal support, or alimony. Whether you’re seeking alimony or being asked to pay it, you need a knowledgeable Kennesaw spousal support lawyer to protect your interests. The founder of Young Law Firm, LLC, has decades of experience in divorce law and can help you navigate divorce proceedings with clarity and confidence.

Spousal Support in Georgia

Often referred to as alimony, spousal support is financial assistance that one spouse may be required to pay the other during or after the divorce. It is not automatically awarded and depends on multiple factors, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s earning capacity. Contributions to the marriage are also considered, whether that involves breadwinning or homemaking.

Georgia has a divorce rate of 2.1 per 1,000 individuals. This equates to about 13,520 registered divorces in 2024. Today, only about 10% of divorces result in one spouse paying alimony to the other.

Types of Spousal Support in Georgia

Georgia courts recognize several forms of spousal support. These include: 

• Temporary spousal support. This is awarded while the divorce is pending. It is intended to help lower-earning spouses cover essential expenses until the divorce decree is issued.
• Rehabilitative spousal support. This is a form of alimony designed to help spouses become self-supporting through education, job training, or other means. It usually has a shorter timeline.
• Permanent spousal support. In rare cases, especially after long marriages when one spouse cannot reasonably achieve self-sufficiency because of their age, health, or other factors, the court may order permanent alimony.
• Lump-sum or one-time alimony. Instead of ongoing payments, the court may order a one-time payment or property transfer to satisfy the alimony obligation.

Who Qualifies for Spousal Support in Georgia?

Eligibility for spousal support is based on both need and the ability to pay. The spouse who requests support must show their financial need, and their spouse must be able to pay for this support.

The courts consider the following to determine spousal support: the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, their living standards while they were married, the age and physical or mental condition of each spouse, and whether one spouse sacrificed a career for the sake of the marriage or children.

The knowledgeable Kennesaw family lawyers of Young Law Firm, LLC, carefully assess your circumstances to determine whether alimony is likely to be awarded and how to position your case for success.

How Spousal Support Is Calculated

Unlike child support, which follows a set formula, spousal support is discretionary. Judges use various factors when determining spousal support. They consider whether alimony is appropriate, how much to award, and how long the support should last.

Some of the primary factors courts consider when weighing alimony options are: 

• Each party’s financial resources and ability to meet their own needs
• Time needed for the supported spouse to gain education or training
• Any evidence of marital misconduct, such as adultery or abuse
• Contributions to the marriage, both monetary and non-monetary

The founding member of Young Law Firm, LLC, offers more than four decades of experience working in family law. We can help ensure your rights are upheld and that alimony considerations are fair and accurate.

Modifying or Ending Spousal Support

Life circumstances change, and spousal support orders do not have to remain the same. Georgia law allows either party to seek a modification or termination of spousal support if there has been a major change in circumstances. Some of these changes may include: 

• Loss of employment or substantial change in income
• Retirement
• Serious illness or disability
• Remarriage of the receiving spouse

The Kennesaw spousal support lawyers of Young Law Firm, LLC, can help you file for modification or defend against an unfair request to change an existing order. We work to build a strong case to support your situation.

FAQs

Q: Do You Need a Lawyer to File for Spousal Support?

A: You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for spousal support. However, legal representation is highly recommended. Spousal support cases involve financial disclosures, court filings, and negotiations that can impact your financial future. A Kennesaw spousal support lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through complex legal proceedings. This is especially important if your spouse also has legal representation.

Q: Who Qualifies for Spousal Support in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, spousal support is not automatically granted. The receiving spouse would need to meet certain qualifications first. Courts typically award support in situations where one spouse was financially dependent on the other during marriage. The court evaluates factors, including the duration of the marriage, the standard of living, and each party’s income and available resources.

Q: What Factors Are Considered When Determining Spousal Support?

A: Georgia courts use many factors when determining spousal support amounts. Some of these include how long the marriage lasted, the earning capacity of each spouse, as well as their financial resources, and the contributions each spouse made to the home and marriage. Judges also consider each party’s age, health, and whether the financially dependent spouse will be able to gain employment to become self-supporting.

Q: What Disqualifies You From Alimony in Georgia?

A: One of the most notable factors that can disqualify you from alimony in Georgia is adultery. If the spouse seeking alimony committed adultery that led to the divorce, the court may deny alimony. Domestic abuse could also disqualify you. If the requesting spouse is self-sufficient, they may not need alimony. Other factors that could impact the chance of receiving alimony include short marriages or minimal financial disparity between the spouses.

Contact a Kennesaw Spousal Support Lawyer Today

Legal guidance is crucial when it comes to spousal support, no matter if you’re seeking support or being asked to provide it. The compassionate and results-driven team at Young Law Firm, LLC in Kennesaw, GA, offers decades of experience in spousal support matters. We’ll evaluate your financial situation and help you fight for a fair outcome.

Call us today at 770-758-8976 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your legal options. You can also reach out online.