- University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Georgia
- J.D. – 1983
- Honors: cum laude
- University of Georgia
- Bachelor of Arts – 1980
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Honors: General Honors
- Major: Journalism
- Minor: Political Science
Divorce is a significant, life-changing event. When one household becomes two, money matters become a sticking point in the process of finding a resolution. A spouse who chose to forego a career to focus on family matters may need financial help in the form of alimony, also called spousal support. A Marietta spousal support lawyer is the ideal resource to consult to address this issue in your upcoming divorce case.
No matter what side of an alimony case you are on, you need knowledgeable help. The attorney at Young Law Firm, LLC, has more than 40 years of experience, and she can help you get the best possible outcome.
Attorney Diana Whipkey Young has spent her legal career representing divorcing people and protecting their finances and future. People come to Young Law Firm, LLC, fearful of an uncertain future, but they leave with a calm that can only be obtained by trusting your attorney. You can learn more by calling our Marietta office at 770-795-9596.
When a couple divorces in Georgia, they must resolve property division as an element of their divorce. This unfolds according to the equitable distribution rule, which seeks the fairest, though not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts. The court will review various factors to determine the shares of marital property that each of the spouses receives.
If one of the spouses has been financially dependent on the other for an extended time, or if one of the spouses is unable to work due to disability or another medical issue, spousal support or alimony is likely to come into play. The purpose of this is to provide the recipient with the financial support they need to become self-sufficient.
To establish a valid claim for permanent alimony, the spouse must allege and prove that the parties are legally married and now separated. Often, the alimony claim is part of a pending divorce or separate maintenance action.
The spouse seeking alimony must also prove that they have a clear need for financial support. For example, a spouse cannot simply quit their job before divorcing and claim they earn less than the other spouse and, therefore, need alimony.
Long-term, permanent spousal support is rare as judges want ex-spouses to become self-sufficient. Short-term, rehabilitative alimony is more common. It allows for a transition to pursue an education or career while maintaining financial security.
While strict formulas dictate child support amounts, spousal support does not enjoy those set calculations. Alimony is generally decided at the discretion of the judge who is overseeing your divorce.
Because the judge has so much freedom to decide alimony amounts, it is critical that you have a skilled lawyer who will protect your rights and assertively present your case. Attorney Diana Whipkey Young will investigate every detail of your divorce and finances. Based on this thorough inspection, she will create a personalized strategy for your case.
Generally, the amount that must be paid in alimony depends on the financial disparity between the two spouses and the length of time that their marriage has lasted. Judges in the Marietta family court usually aim for temporary spousal support that helps the recipient adjust to their new circumstances, but permanent alimony can be awarded in some cases.
When alimony is determined as part of a larger divorce case, both spouses must submit a financial disclosure statement to ensure all of the financial issues they must cover unfold using accurate information. Your Marietta alimony lawyer can be an invaluable asset not only for accurately completing your own disclosure but also for identifying potential discrepancies with your spouse’s financial records.
It is unfortunately common for divorcing spouses who expect to have to pay child support and/or alimony to attempt to hide assets from divorce proceedings. There are many possible methods for doing this, but any intentional obfuscation of a financial disclosure in family court can carry severe penalties. Young Law Firm, LLC, can help you address any such issues you encounter in your case.
We can also provide ongoing support after finalizing your divorce. In some cases, divorced individuals must revisit their family court orders due to unexpected life events. For example, a parent with a child support order may need an increase in support if their child suffers a medical complication or serious injury or due to significant changes in the income and financial status of either party.
You can contact the Marietta office of Young Law Firm, LLC today
Whether you pay or receive alimony, if you have experienced any recent change in your life that you believe affects your alimony order, a Marietta alimony lawyer can help you petition for necessary changes. For example, if you pay alimony but lose your job, you can ask the court to adjust or terminate your obligation due to this loss of income.
Note that your proposed change must be both necessary and reasonable. If you petition the family court to change any aspect of a standing court order, you must be prepared to explain the proposed change and why you believe it to be necessary. The court sets a hearing date, and you and your ex will both have the opportunity to speak on the issue.
Modification proceedings are usually straightforward, and It is also possible in some cases to request changes to standing alimony agreements. However, modifications can also be contested, and the judge will consider arguments and evidence from both parties in making their decision.
At Young Law Firm, LLC, we have earned a reputation for aggressiveness and effectiveness in the courtroom. Attorney Diana Whipkey Young focuses on the best outcome when future financial stability is at stake. Our Marietta office represents both payers and receivers of spousal support in Cobb County, Paulding County, Bartow County and Cherokee County.
Complex divorce disputes involving money can quickly end cooperation in an uncontested divorce. When the courtroom is the only option to find a resolution, you need an experienced divorce lawyer skilled at litigating cases on behalf of her clients. She possesses a track record of aggressiveness and effectiveness in the courtroom.
Alimony can be a contentious issue in any divorce, and it is possible to encounter all types of disputes on the subject in a Marietta divorce. For dependable and experienced representation from a Marietta family law attorney, call our law firm at 770-795-9596 or contact us online.
Our friendly and skilled staff will help you set up your free, 30-minute initial consultation. For our clients’ convenience, we accept all major credit cards.