Douglasville Spousal Support Lawyer

Spousal Support Attorney in Douglasville, GA

Spousal support, or alimony, is a critical component in most divorce cases. This form of financial support helps the lower-earning spouse as they transition into being self-sufficient and leading an independent lifestyle. If you want to make certain your alimony agreement is as fair as possible, don’t hesitate to speak with a qualified Douglasville spousal support lawyer.

The seasoned legal team at Draper Legal has been helping families in Douglasville for more than 20 years with their legal matters. Our founding attorney, Christy E. Draper, is dedicated to obtaining an optimal outcome for our clients while protecting their rights. You can trust our firm to handle your spousal support case, whether you require support or are seeking a fair agreement as the paying spouse.

Understanding Spousal Support Laws in GA

The CDC reports that the average rate of divorce across the country in 2023 was 2.4 per 1,000 people, with more than 672,000 divorces that year. The rate of divorce in the state of Georgia in 2023 was comparable at 2.2 divorces per 1,000 people. One important aspect of divorce is the matter of spousal support, also called alimony.

The purpose of spousal support is to provide financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse, allowing them to maintain a basic standard of living while working towards becoming self-sufficient. There are two types of alimony: temporary and permanent. Temporary spousal support lasts for the duration of the divorce proceedings, and permanent spousal support can last for years.

The amount of spousal support that may be awarded depends on several factors, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s income or earning capacity
• Each party’s contributions to the marriage
• Each spouse’s standard of living that was established during the marriage
• The separate assets of each spouse
• The age and health of each party
• Any faults in the divorce, such as desertion or adultery
• Whether the spouses have minor children
• Whether one spouse made sacrifices for the education of the other spouse or their professional development
• How long is it expected for the dependent spouse to become independent financially?

Why You Should Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

It is wise to hire a spousal support lawyer for several reasons. Whether you are the spouse seeking alimony or you want to make sure you are not paying too much in spousal support, an experienced Douglasville spousal support attorney can help you attain your goals. A skilled alimony lawyer can review the details of your case before building a strong legal approach to protect your rights and advocating on your behalf in divorce proceedings.

At Draper Legal, a local law firm based in Douglasville, Georgia, our team understands just how stressful legal issues can be for most people. We are here to listen to your story and walk you through your legal matter every step of the way. We have successfully guided countless clients and their families through divorce matters and other difficult family law cases.

A spousal support case in Douglasville is most likely handled at the Douglas County Courthouse, located at 8700 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134. The courthouse that may oversee spousal support proceedings in your case can vary depending on the circumstances, so be sure to verify any legal venues with your attorney.

FAQs

What Disqualifies You From Alimony in GA?

In Georgia, there are certain factors or circumstances that may disqualify a person from receiving spousal support, before or after alimony is awarded. One instance that disqualifies an individual from receiving spousal support is if they deserted, or willingly left, their spouse or committed adultery.

An individual would likely not receive spousal support if they are already financially independent. If a person receiving spousal support remarries or moves in with a new romantic partner, alimony is terminated.

How Much Is Spousal Support in Georgia?

There is no standard formula for calculating spousal support in Georgia, and the court instead determines the amount of awarded alimony after examining all factors of the case. The judge considers the health and age of each spouse, each party’s current income or earning capacity, standard of living established during the marriage, the length of the marriage, and other factors. To get an approximate idea of how much spousal support may be awarded in your case, consult a qualified attorney.

Can Alimony Be Changed in Georgia?

Yes, it is possible for an alimony arrangement to be changed in Georgia. Under certain circumstances, either spouse can petition for spousal support to be modified. Significant life changes, such as losing a job, retiring, or a substantial increase in income, are sufficient grounds for a court order modification.

Furthermore, if the receiving spouse is no longer eligible for alimony, the arrangement must be terminated. For help with getting a spousal support order modified or terminated, consult an attorney.

Do I Need a Spousal Support Lawyer in GA?

While it is not legally required to hire a spousal support lawyer in the state of Georgia, it is highly recommended because determining alimony is not a formulaic process. By working with a family law professional with experience handling a wide variety of spousal support matters, you can benefit from their skills and reach your goals. An alimony lawyer is equipped to help either spouse in a case, safeguarding their rights and working for an optimal outcome.

How Long Does a Spousal Support Case Take in GA?

In Georgia, it is difficult to determine how long a spousal support case may take to fully settle without knowing the exact details of your case, as each situation is different. A relatively simple or uncontested spousal support case is likely to require less time, compared to more complex or highly contested cases, which may take much longer to fully resolve. Your attorney can provide an approximate time estimate.

Consult Christy E. Draper, LLC, Today

The team of experienced and compassionate professionals at Christy E. Draper, LLC. has helped numerous clients and their families through spousal support matters. Reach out to us today to schedule a meeting with a seasoned family law attorney. We can listen to the details of your circumstances before addressing your concerns, answering any questions you may have, and guiding you through the first steps.

Client Testimonials

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“Mrs.Draper and Kadee are both awesome at what they do, very sweet and helpful. They took very good care of me and did everything I wanted and needed them to do for me! I have to say she is the best around! You will not be disappointed! She is very well respected in the courtroom, too. You can just see when she is in there that she isn’t new to this type of stuff!”
— Matthew Odom.

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“Christy and Jon are now My family. We have been together for a year and when I was stressing they were patient because they had me from the beginning they have gone over and beyond for me and they my straight TEAM. I came from jail and my kids in DFACS to the picture you see. Words cannot describe how much I love and appreciate them. Just absolutely amazing and how they have helped me me through the hardest time of my life. We came out the mud. Christy and Jon does whatever I need they’ll go to War and they not about to play about me. When you hire Christy you’re going to be in amazing hands. The absolute best!!!!” — Dasja Barnes

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