When Do I Lose Alimony in Atlanta?

After a divorce in Georgia, you may be relieved to discover you have been awarded alimony. Also known as “separate maintenance” or “spousal maintenance,” alimony is a valuable source of financial support for many spouses facing the uncertainties of single life. However, spouses receiving alimony may worry about when these payments will end. When you understand when these payments will stop, it might be easier to plan your future effectively. Could an Atlanta alimony attorney help in this situation?

Consider the Details of the Original Agreement 

The court will have informed you of your alimony details during your divorce. Specifically, the court will tell you the “term” or “duration” of your spousal support payments. While permanent alimony is possible in Georgia, it is quite rare in the modern era.

Did You Receive Rehabilitative Alimony?

 Some types of alimony in Georgia are “rehabilitative” in nature, and they are intended to help you become financially independent. This often involves going back to college or gaining certifications for future employment. Once you complete your rehabilitation plan as approved by a judge, your alimony will end. If you fail to complete your plan, your rehabilitative alimony might end early.

Your Alimony Might End if You Start Living With Someone New 

“Cohabitation” is another potential reason for alimony to end in Georgia. This occurs when you start living with someone new in a romantic relationship. In the eyes of the court, alimony is no longer necessary because you’re splitting your finances with someone else. However, the definition of cohabitation is quite specific. You might continue to receive your alimony even if you start living alongside someone else.

Your Alimony Might End if Your Ex Encounters Health Issues 

A “change in circumstance” may allow your ex to modify the alimony arrangement. Courts may consider a major change in health when determining whether to modify alimony. For example, your ex might get into a car accident. Perhaps they received a diagnosis of a serious disease like cancer or multiple sclerosis.

In these situations, courts may allow your ex to reduce or even eliminate their alimony payments. If your ex can no longer earn income due to their health issues, alimony may be unfair.

Your Alimony May End if Your Ex Encounters Career Issues 

Aside from health issues, other factors may end your ex’s career. They may be replaced by AI or robotics. Perhaps their entire industry has been outsourced to a different nation. If your ex is incapable of earning the same income due to major career changes, they may modify and reduce their alimony payments.

Can an Atlanta Alimony Lawyer Help? 

If you’re worried about losing access to alimony in Atlanta, you might want to speak with an experienced family law attorney. Alimony may end at different times depending on your unique circumstances. Although online research can help you understand when alimony might end, a consultation with Buckhead Family Law may provide more targeted guidance. Contact us today to discuss your unique situation.

Source:

 womenslaw.org/laws/ga/statutes/19-6-1-alimony-defined-permanent-and-temporary#:~:text=%2D6%2D1.-,Alimony%20defined%3B%20permanent%20and%20temporary,is%20either%20temporary%20or%20permanent.