Spousal support is only granted in the case of some Georgia divorces. Family law courts most often grant these orders if former spouses have different financial means and could end up having a vastly different quality of life following a divorce. 

By granting support, courts can take steps to make sure that each former spouse transitions into his or her new life as peacefully as possible. For many spouses who are ordered to pay support, they anxiously await the date when they will no longer be required to make these payments. 

This article takes a look at what conditions will result in the termination of child support orders as well as other events that could result in these agreements being changed substantially.

Remarriage Stops Spousal Support

In the state of Georgia, spousal support payments discontinue the moment a person who receives these benefits enters into another marriage. These payments end without even the need for a modification order. Instead, a court will assume that the recipient’s financial needs are satisfied and that support is no longer needed. 

It is important to understand, however, that some spousal support agreements include provisions that allow support payments to continue even after a recipient enters into another marriage. Some Georgia family courts do not approve these agreements, and many lawyers advise against entering into these agreements. 

Other Situations in Which Spousal Support can be Altered

Many former spouses who are required to pay support discover that this requirement can result in undue financial stress. As a result, many spouses argue against being required to pay support, particularly when divorces have occurred months or years ago. 

It is important to understand that in addition to a spouse’s remarriage, some life changes warrant the discontinuation of support payments. Some of the other situations that warrant the discontinuation of support payments include:

  • The recipient spouse has moved in with a new partner 
  • The recipient spouse’s income has increased
  • The spouse who is paying support has lost his or her job
  • The spouse who is paying support was injured or became sick and can no longer work

Advice on Navigating Support Payment

There are some important tips that spouses should remember to follow regardless of where they are in the support payment process. These suggestions include:

  • Remaining calm if disagreements arise concerning support payments
  • Making sure that you discuss these matters in a calm and detached manner
  • Only speaking about your own feelings instead of your former spouse’s
  • Actively listening to concerns or opinions that your former spouse has
  • Being solutions-oriented about what you want the outcome to be
  • Not expressing blame or judgment when describing your perspective

Contact a Skilled Divorce Attorney Today

The complications of divorce are numerous. One of the best ways to make sure that you successfully navigate these challenges is to obtain the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. 

Contact an attorney at Vayman & Teitelbaum P.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation.