The end of a marriage does not necessarily mean that one spouse’s obligation to another also ends. In many cases, one spouse will be required to provide some level of spousal support (also known as alimony payments) to help their former spouse achieve financial security following the divorce. However, there are many different kinds of spousal support in Georgia (both short and long-term) and it is imperative to understand the differences between them. Our family law experts are here to help.

If the court determines that one spouse will be required to provide spousal support to the other, the amount awarded will depend on the following factors:

• How long the couple were married
• How much money each spouse earns at their respective job
• The standard of living the couple shared during the marriage
• The physical health and earning potential of the receiving spouse

Once the amount of alimony is determined, the court will then help determine the type of spousal support that will be awarded. The options include:

Rehabilitative Alimony:

Also known as “short-term alimony”, rehabilitative alimony may be awarded during a transitional period while the receiving or lower-earning spouse is improving their earning prospects for the future. This can apply when they are going back to school or undergo new career training that will increase their earning capacity moving forward. Rehabilitative alimony is paid on a short-term basis until the spouse meets their financial needs.

Permanent Alimony:

Also known as “long-term alimony”, permanent alimony may be applied when one spouse is unable to work or support themselves. This can be due to advanced age, disability, or certain matters pertaining to childcare. While it is called permanent, it can be discontinued in the case of a remarriage or certain other circumstances.

Temporary Alimony:

In some cases, a judge may order temporary alimony to help the lesser-earning spouse while the divorce process is ongoing. This can be done as part of a legal separation agreement. This is not necessarily an indication of the new support agreement (should there be one) that will be established after the divorce has been finalized.

Reimbursement Alimony:

Reimbursement alimony can be used to repay one spouse for contributions they made during the course of the marriage, like paying for the other spouse to attend school. In cases where one spouse stayed home to raise children or be a homemaker instead of pursuing a career, reimbursement alimony may be used to create a financial balance.

Lump Sum Alimony:

In cases where both parties (or the judge) thinks it is most appropriate, alimony may be awarded as a one-time lump sum payment (instead of monthly installments) to cleanly end the financial arrangement once and for all.

At Oxendine Law, our experts specialize in helping our clients navigate all of their options and make the most informed and beneficial decisions for their needs. If you have any family law needs of your own, contact Oxendine Law at (770) 497-8688 today to schedule a family law consultation in-person, over the phone, or by video conference. You can also follow along with us on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for additional family law tips, news, radio segments, and more.