Financial disagreements are a leading cause of divorce in this country, and unfortunately for some couples, their disputes over money don’t end when they file for separation. Alimony is one of the most contentious aspects of splitting up, and it’s natural to worry about potential arrangements before you file. Whether you think you will end up being the payer or recipient, you probably have a lot of questions about this financial obligation. Here, the family attorneys from Georgia’s NMS Law Firm provides a brief guide to alimony to answer a few of your common questions. 

The Purpose of Alimony 

Alimony refers to payments that one ex-spouse makes to the other after finalizing their divorce. In some cases, payments may also be ordered while the divorce is pending. The arrangement aims to help the recipient regain their financial footing after the split. For example, if a spouse stayed home to raise the kids, the other might have to pay alimony until the stay-at-home parent begins to earn a living wage again. This is known as rehabilitative alimony. Permanent alimony, on the other hand, applies when the recipient may never be able to work following the divorce. They may be past retirement age, for example, or disabled in some way. 

Factors That Influence Alimony 

Unlike child support, which is calculated based on a formula, alimony is flexible. A judge considers many factors when devising a payment arrangement. Common influencers include the length of the marriage and each spouse’s current income, earning potential, and education. The age and health of both parties will also play a role in the proceedings, as will their standard of living over the course of the marriage and the contributions each made to their life together. 

If you want to file for divorce in Georgia but are concerned about the financial impact of doing so, turn to NMS Law Firm to learn more about alimony. Located in Toccoa, this law firm helps clients navigate complicated legal proceedings. Whether facing a stressful child custody battle or trying to draft a separation agreement, you can rely on them for personalized and attentive counsel every step of the way. To reach out and request an initial consultation, visit their website or call (706) 282-4696.