Alimony Attorneys in Commerce, GA

Divorce is a life-changing event, complicated if you financially rely on your partner. In Georgia, alimony, commonly referred to as “spousal support,” is at the discretion of the court. The amount is based on each party’s needs and the requesting spouse's ability to gain financial independence. The court will examine specific factors in determining spousal support, with the goal of facilitating a smooth transition.

With the anxiety that accompanies divorce, you want to be sure that your needs are being met. At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, our family law attorneys are committed to providing you with all the necessary information to help you make informed decisions about your future.

When Can I Request Alimony?

When two parties file for divorce, the court will examine each spouse’s financial reliance on the other person before granting alimony. In Georgia, lump-sum alimony, periodic alimony, or temporary alimony may be awarded based on the financial need of the lower-earning spouse and the other party’s ability to pay. The court is more likely to offer temporary assistance when one spouse needs help during the separation process. Our experienced divorce lawyers know what evidence to present to help you get the financial support you need. 

If there is an income discrepancy between you and your partner, the court is more likely to grant alimony than if the two of you have comparable salaries. However, the duration of your marriage, your contributions during the marriage, and your income potential will also be taken into account. 

Factors in Determining Spousal Support

Under Ga. Code §19-6-5, a judge may determine spousal support based on the following criteria: 

• The standard of living that each spouse came to expect during the marriage
• Length of marriage
• Age, physical, and emotional condition of each spouse
• Financial resources of each party
• Time needed for each party to acquire further education to meet their income potential
• Contribution of each party to homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other spouse
• Earning capacity and fixed liabilities of each spouse
• Any other factors the court deems relevant

Contested versus Uncontested Divorces

Our alimony lawyers have experience filing contested and uncontested divorces directly with the Superior Court. Our legal team has represented both individuals filing for divorce (“petitioners”) and the persons being served (“respondents”). We always look out for your best interests while complying with Georgia state laws. 

Divorce Mediation as an Amicable Alternative

Parting ways from your partner can be both a traumatic and confusing process. The alimony attorneys at Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, LLP, understand how heartbreaking the process can be. To help alleviate your stress, we offer divorce mediation services, enabling individuals to end their marriage through mutual agreement. Divorce mediation is less adversarial and an amicable resolution that both parties can live with. 

Our divorce mediators do not take sides, but they will help you reach an agreement on essential matters, such as alimony and custody arrangements. Divorce mediation keeps your most sensitive information private, not being dissected in open court. The only document a judge will see is the final agreement that both parties have reached.

Reach Out to Our Commerce Alimony Attorneys 

The process of getting a divorce can be an unsettling time, requiring that you make life-altering decisions before parting ways. Whether you are seeking support or feel that you are overpaying spousal support, our Commerce alimony lawyers would like to hear from you. To arrange your initial consultation, contact us online or call (770) 887-1209 today.