What You Should Understand About Alimony
Alimony may be awarded when a man or woman cannot financially support themselves after divorce. Alimony may be paid to one spouse, by the other spouse, both during and after the divorce process. The higher income earner is typically required to pay the other party for a set amount of time.
Adjusting to life after divorce is already difficult. If you have little to no income in comparison with your spouse, then the transition will be much more difficult. Alimony may be necessary to financially support yourself as you move and seek employment options.
On the other hand, alimony was created when it was more common to only have one working spouse in the household. Alimony can appear unfair in a modern divorce. We have experience representing both alimony recipients and the paying parties. We have a well-rounded understanding of the alimony process and can help you achieve a fair agreement or court order.
Estimating Alimony
A spouse must prove that they require financial support to obtain alimony. The amount awarded differs for every couple. The court will consider a number of factors to determine the award, including but not limited to:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living
- Earning capacity
- Contributions to the marriage such as caring for the children, homemaking and career building
Alimony, also called spousal support, is not enforced as a permanent or rigid system. It is awarded completely at the judge’s discretion. If your spouse committed adultery and you can prove that it was the cause of your divorce, then a judge may deny alimony to them completely. Attorney Whitney D. Mauk has over 18 years of legal experience, and she can help you understand the flexible nature of alimony in a divorce.
Schedule A Consultation Today To Learn More
Contact our office in Atlanta, Georgia, to arrange a personal consultation with a lawyer. We are prepared to answer all of your questions about alimony. Reach Whitney D. Mauk, P.C., by calling 470-237-5520, or fill out our online contact form.
