Pursuing Fair Alimony Agreements For Georgians

The purpose of alimony is to allow each spouse to enjoy a standard of living that is as close as possible to the standard of living they enjoyed during their marriage. The Georgia courts look at overall income but may need reminders about expenses and personal needs. High levels of conflict are common in alimony negotiations.

At the Law Office of Erin Muldoon Haug, I have more than 15 years of experience negotiating alimony for my clients. Whether you are being asked to pay alimony or are negotiating to receive alimony, I have the knowledge and experience to negotiate a fair agreement for you.

Determining Alimony Payment Amounts

Calculating alimony is not an exact science. The assets and income of each divorcing couple are unique and demand close inspection. However, judges consider several main factors when calculating an appropriate alimony payment such as:

• The length of the marriage
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The relative income of each spouse
• The needs of each spouse

The spouse being asked to pay will typically complain that the alimony is either more than needed or unnecessary. Alternatively, the spouse seeking alimony typically objects to the proposed payment amount. The goal is to present evidence to the court that supports your position and explain how to interpret the financial documents in your favor.

Types Of Alimony In Georgia

Georgia law describes four types of alimony agreements based on the factors, including the health of each spouse, finances during the marriage and the status of the divorce. The type of alimony can change over the course of the divorce proceedings or after the divorce as the financial situation of each spouse changes.

The four types of alimony agreements are:

Temporary alimony. This type of alimony is granted during the divorce proceedings and is often used to pay attorney fees and other litigation expenses.

Rehabilitative alimony. Rehabilitative alimony is typically a temporary payment used to support a dependent spouse until they can become self-reliant, often after an ex-spouse finds a job or completes a degree.

Reimbursement alimony. This type of alimony is designed to “reimburse” a spouse who supported the family while the other spouse pursued a degree or career development. The payment may end or be reduced when the total payments reach a pre-determined amount.

Permanent alimony. This type of alimony is reserved for spouses who are seriously ill or have a demonstrated economic need. As economic circumstances change over time, permanent alimony agreements can be modified to reflect new circumstances.

I work with clients to determine which type of alimony agreement makes the most sense for their situation.

Contact The Law Office of Erin Muldoon Haug For Representation In Alimony Negotiations

To schedule a consultation to discuss your alimony situation, call 912-421-7084 or fill out my online contact form.