If you earn a lot more money than your spouse to whom you have been married for many years, there is a good chance you will be ordered to pay some maintenance.

But, spousal support usually isnt awarded for short marriages or where you and your spouse earn nearly the same amount. If you are awarded an alimony order but your spouse refuses to make the ordered payments, take immediate legal action to enforce the order through a contempt proceeding or an earnings assignment order. Spousal support have the same effect as any other court order and, if dealt appropriately, can be enforced with the very real chances of obtaining timely payments. If necessary, a court may imprison a reluctant payor to demonstrate that it means business.

Alimony is of three types:

Permanent alimony – the party who continues making the payments until death or until the party granted the payments married again.  

Temporary alimony – the alimony payments are made over a short period of time to assist the receiving party to stand alone once again.  

Rehabilitative

spousal support – is paid to to assist a spouse with lesser  employability or earning capacity become adjusted to a new post-marital life.

Divorce Settlement Agreements in a Columbia County Georgia divorce case

Richmond County GA divorce law firm

A marital settlement agreement spells out the terms of the divorce and the relationship between the two spouses after the divorce. These agreements usually cover property division, child custody, child plans, debt division, spousal support and any other relevant issues arising from the divorce.

While it is not required, filing a marital settlement agreement has certain benefits:

• details all of the agreements in writing, avoiding uncertainty.
• The parties might not have to go to court. The judge may honor the written agreement if its written properly and includes all material aspects of the divorce.
• Demonstrates to the court that major issues were resovled, and the case will move more fast though the system.

Marital settlement agreements may be executed at any time before the final order. They are typically filed with the final judgment.

If a party is receiving welfare, the DAs office may need to review and sign the marital settlement agreement prior to court filing.

Related posts: