While there’s nothing easy about ending a marriage, navigating all the financial aspects of divorce can be a particularly challenging part of the process. Alimony and child support are two common issues in divorce proceedings that require sound legal advice and guidance. These are both payments made from one spouse to the other; however, they’re vastly different. To ensure you get the support you’re entitled to or don’t end up paying more than necessary, it’s crucial to understand how each one works.

A Guide to Alimony & Child Support

Alimony

In many marriages, one spouse is financially dependent on the other, and getting divorced will cause them to face serious financial hardship. Under these circumstances, the court may award alimony to give both spouses the opportunity to maintain the same lifestyle they had when married, but it is not guaranteed. The court will consider several factors to determine if alimony is warranted, including the length of the marriage, the financial resources of each party, and the contributions each spouse made to the marriage. Because the court has broad discretion on deciding whether or not to grant alimony, it’s wise to seek legal advice on what they’ll take into account.

Child Support

Unlike alimony, child support is usually mandatory in any divorce case where the couple has minor children. Under the law, both parents are responsible for providing for their children’s needs. Every state has child support guidelines that dictate how payments should be calculated. Georgia uses the income share method, which means support is based on both parent’s gross monthly income. The court may also consider how much time each parent spends with the children, childcare expenses, insurance costs, and educational fees. A family law attorney is the best source for legal advice when it comes to establishing, enforcing, or modifying a child support order.

If your divorce case involves components of alimony and child support, the family law attorneys at Dickinson & Willis, LLC in Monroe, GA, can help you reach a favorable resolution. Whether you’re negotiating financial payments with your spouse outside of court or going through litigation, they will provide you with effective legal advice and representation to make sure your rights are protected. They offer decades of experience handling all types of issues that arise during divorce. Call (770) 267-8256 or visit their website to schedule a consultation.