In Georgia, there are two types of alimony – rehabilitative and permanent. If you’re seeking a divorce and wondering if you can receive either type of alimony, it’s important to understand the basics of each and partner with a family law attorney who can help you on this difficult journey.
Alimony Basics
Many people mistakenly believe that alimony and child support are the same thing or that if you are receiving child support then you cannot also receive alimony. This is simply not true. Alimony can only be awarded if the two parties are married and seeking a divorce. Child support can be awarded whether or not the mother and father are married. Additionally, child support is meant to be financial assistance to the children; alimony is intended to financially support the spouse. A judge can order both child support and alimony to be issued during a divorce.
There are various elements that the judge will factor into his decision while determining which alimony to grant. He will consider:
- How long you were married,
- How long the alimony will be ordered,
- How much alimony to grant,
- If the alimony order can be modified, and
- If circumstances will end the alimony.
Let’s dive into the two types of alimony – rehabilitative and permanent.
Rehabilitative Alimony
The purpose of rehabilitative alimony is to help one party become eligible to enter the workforce via education, training, or the like. Often, rehabilitative alimony is given to the spouse who chose to stay home with the kids or oversee the household instead of pursuing an education or a career. Rehabilitative alimony does have a pre-determined time limit ordered by the judge.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is normally granted if a long-term marriage ends and one spouse was dependent on the other spouse’s income to live. Permanent alimony does not have a set end date like rehabilitative alimony but will end once one of the parties dies.
Eittreim Martin Cutler is Your Premier Family Law Firm
It can be stressful to navigate a divorce that deals with child support, alimony, joint or legal custody, and more. Our compassionate attorneys can guide you through this time with fierce representation and unequivocal determination to get you the best possible results. Talk to our attorneys today: 770-225-7000