Alimony: Finding Financial Stability During Divorce

Last updated on June 19, 2026

Divorce is a financially stressful transition. With fair and accurate spousal support, the transition can be better for everyone. An alimony attorney can help you understand your rights according to Georgia’s alimony laws and protect your interests throughout your divorce.

At the Cowan Law Firm, LLC, we help divorcing clients reach fair and accurate financial support calculations and alimony agreements. Since 2003, our Dalton firm has provided legal services for clients throughout northwest Georgia in a wide range of practice areas. Together, our lawyers have more than 40 years of combined experience.

Understanding Alimony And How Georgia Laws Assess The Need For Financial Support

Alimony, also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, is financial support one spouse pays to the other after a divorce. Georgia alimony laws do not provide an exact alimony calculation. Instead, judges consider several factors to determine alimony eligibility and the amount and duration of payments. These factors include:

• The financial needs of each spouse
• The ability of a spouse to pay
• The earning capacity of each spouse
• The length of the marriage
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The financial resources of each party
• The age and health of each spouse
• The contributions each spouse made to the marriage

In addition, the laws in Georgia allow judges to consider any marital misconduct that may have occurred. For example, if a spouse committed adultery, the judge can consider it when deciding spousal support. Generally, judges have substantial discretion when it comes to alimony.

Are There Different Types Of Alimony?

There are different types of alimony, based on when it is paid. For example, judges can award:

• Periodic alimony, which consists of regular payments for a specified period of time
• Lump sum alimony, which is a one-time payment
• Temporary alimony, which can provide financial support during the divorce process
• Rehabilitative alimony, which is support that is paid while a spouse works to become self-sufficient

While permanent alimony is rare, it is possible in long-term marriages and sometimes high-asset divorces. The couple’s divorce decree will outline the court’s orders for alimony.

When Can You Ask The Court To Modify Alimony In Georgia?

After a divorce, it is possible to seek an alimony modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances. Common reasons for alimony modification include:

• A change in either spouse’s financial situation
• The receiving spouse gets remarried
• The receiving spouse starts cohabitating with someone else

If you believe an alimony modification might be warranted, an experienced divorce lawyer can advise you of the next steps you can take to enforce the court’s order.

Talk To A Dalton Alimony Attorney

If you are struggling to figure out financial support and spousal maintenance, our family lawyers are available by appointment for initial consultations. Call us at 706-420-2949 or you can send us a message through our website to schedule an appointment. Let an experienced alimony attorney provide you with the legal guidance you need to get through this difficult time.