What Factors can Help or Hurt Spousal Support?

Uncover the factors that could influence whether you are entitled to spousal support in Gwinnett County.

In the aftermath of a divorce, spousal support often plays an important role in the recovery process. Otherwise known as alimony in Georgia, it can help maintain your financial security and the standard of living you enjoyed during your marriage. It can also help you get back on your feet and allow you time to acquire the job skills or experience needed to support yourself. The following are some of the factors that could help or hurt your odds of getting spousal support in your divorce case.

Are You Entitled to Spousal Support?

Spousal support is generally referred to as alimony under the Georgia Statutes. Under Section 19-6-1, you may be entitled to alimony both during the divorce process and once a final order has been issued in your case. In determining whether spousal support should be awarded, factors a judge are likely to consider include:

• The total amount of income you and your spouse possess;
• Your age, health, and other personal factors;
• The amount of individual, non-marital assets you own;
• Any sacrifices you made on behalf of your spouse or for the sake of any children of the marriage;
• The standard of living you and your spouse enjoyed over the course of your marriage;
• Any pre or post-marital agreements that may be in place.

Spousal support may be awarded on a temporary, rehabilitative basis, to help you acquire the education or practical skills needed to re-enter the workforce. It may also be ordered on a more long-term basis, particularly in cases where your spouse makes considerably more than you.

Factors That can Influence Your Rights to Spousal Support

You can request spousal support when filing your divorce petition in the Gwinnett County Courts. There are several factors that could either help or hurt your case, which include:

• Marital misconduct: If your partner engaged in marital misconduct, such as domestic violence or having an affair, this may increase the likelihood of an alimony award. However, if you are accused of these types of actions, it could jeopardize your rights to alimony.
• Dissipation of assets: If your spouse is accused of wasting money, such as due to an alcohol or drug addiction, alimony may be ordered to compensate you for these losses. This can also be the case if they attempted to hide, destroy, or otherwise get rid of marital property or funds. This is known as dissipation of assets.
• Providing for children: If you have young children or those with special needs, you may be unable to work outside the home. In addition to child support, you may also be entitled to alimony in these situations.

Discuss Your Cases with Our Norcross, GA Divorce Attorneys

Make sure your rights are protected in your divorce case and get Zimmerman & Associates on your side. To discuss your rights to alimony and other divorce related issues, contact our Gwinnett County divorce attorneys to schedule a consultation today.