Some divorces in Georgia involve court-ordered alimony that is paid monthly or in a lump sum. While some people view alimony as unfair to the paying spouse, others see that alimony can be necessary when one spouse earns far less income than the other spouse.
Courts consider many different factors when determining whether a spouse will be required to make alimony payments after a divorce. Judges look at the incomes of both spouses to determine whether the higher-earning spouse can afford to make payments and whether the lower-earning spouse needs financial support. The length of the marriage will be a factor as will the age and health of the recipient spouse.
A divorcing spouse may be ordered to make alimony payments for a set period of time or indefinitely. If spouses are negotiating an agreement outside of court, the paying spouse may offer to make a single lump sum alimony payment rather than ongoing monthly payments. Even if the lower-earning spouse could receive alimony, they may decide to refuse payments. Some spouses refuse alimony because they do not want to have any ties to their ex-spouse or they feel that they can support themselves without it.
A person may be ordered to pay alimony to their ex-spouse because they were the only person working during their marriage. If a divorcing spouse believes that they won’t be able to afford to make monthly alimony payments, they may want to have representation from a lawyer during the divorce process. A lawyer may be able to help the higher-earning spouse to negotiate for a lump sum alimony payment or smaller monthly alimony payments that they can afford.
