The state of Georgia introduce the paying of post-marriage maintenance in 1980. Under the Divorce Code of 1980, spouses were entitled to alimony if it was deemed necessary. Georgia has two categories of alimony that can be paid, and knowing the difference can help with your divorce settlement. Consulting the marriage and divorce experts at Vayman & Teitelbaum can provide you with everything you need to know about alimony payments you are due or must pay.
Divorce in Georgia
Divorce in Georgia has risen in the last decade. At one time, Georgia was ranked near the bottom of United States' divorce rates. In 2002, Georgia was ranked 47th in divorce. However, those numbers have changed, and the Empire State of the South is one of 10 southern States with the highest divorce rates. Due to the high divorce rate, it is important to know your options when it comes to maintenance payments. If you receive or pay them, what you do not know could cost your dearly.
Rehabilitative Alimony
One type of alimony paid in Georgia is rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is offered as a short-term arrangement and used to help a spouse get back on his or her feet. Rehabilitative alimony enables a spouse to become self-supporting and it could include helping with a time of study, returning to college, or acquiring new skills for a career. This also may be given to a spouse who is staying at home to look after a young child.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is long-term maintenance that sees one spouse make regular payments to the other. The payments of this alimony may only end with the death of one of the two former spouses, a remarriage of the payment receiver, or cohabitation of the receiver with a new partner. Some states have looked to reform the laws on permanent alimony in recent years.
Other Types of Alimony
Rehabilitative and permanent alimony are the two categories in which maintenance payments are judged, but alimony from divorces in Georgia can be broken down further.
Temporary Alimony
Similar to rehabilitative alimony, temporary alimony can be a short-term maintenance that is paid by one spouse to another. This alimony is paid to one spouse while the couple is separated, but before the divorce has been finalized. Once the divorce is complete, the payments may continue or be halted. If the payments do continue, they will be classified under a different name.
Reimbursement Alimony
If you helped your spouse acquire a university degree, job training, or something else financially, you are entitled to reimbursement alimony. Spouses who paid the expenses for the other to obtain some type of education can receive the money back through reimbursement alimony. You will have to show that you supported and paid the expenses for the other's education or training.
Lump-Sum Alimony
A lump-sum alimony payment is one that is made when the sides have agreed on a specified amount. This fixed sum payment could be made on the conclusion or termination of another type of alimony payment from the list.
Vayman & Teitelbaum
The law firm of Vayman & Teitelbaum can provide you with legal guidance when it comes to alimony payments. With four locations in Georgia, Vayman & Teitelbaum, Attorneys at Law, is available to give you insight on making the right decisions after your divorce. Visit our alimony and support page to see how we can help you. If you have any questions, contact us and let our experienced attorneys in family law go to work for you.