Top 3 Reasons Alimony Should be Adjusted

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• August 23rd

Alimony is a payment from one spouse to another that is granted during divorce proceedings. Alimony can be granted for a limited number of years or until the receiving spouse remarries. Generally, once alimony payments are agreed upon or set by the court, they remain the same until they are scheduled to terminate. However, in some cases alimony payments can be adjusted either by agreement of the parties or through the court. Following are three of the top reasons why alimony should be adjusted.

1. Change of Circumstances: A change in the circumstances of one of the parties is the most common reason for an adjustment of alimony. For example, if the paying spouse becomes ill and cannot work, experiences a loss of a job, or is forced to take a substantial pay cut to remain employed alimony can be adjusted to make up for the decrease in income. Similarly, if the receiving spouse has a substantial increase in income or begins living with a member of the opposite sex, alimony may be adjusted to make up for the change in circumstance. On the other hand, if the party paying alimony receives a raise or other increase in income, the spouse receiving alimony may petition the course for an increase.
2. Financial Hardship: If one spouse experiences a temporary financial hardship such as a medical emergency that results in high medical bills or the loss of a job they may be able to petition the court for a temporary change in alimony. Typically these changes are not permanent and only allow the paying spouse a set period of time to become financially stable again. The receiving spouse can request more spousal support temporarily if they experience illness or the loss of a job as well.
3. Change of Law: From time to time laws will change in Georgia. Depending on the law change, either spouse may decide to petition the court for an adjustment in alimony. For example, a law change that limits the amount of time that a party is required to pay alimony would be a reason for the paying spouse to request an adjustment in their alimony obligations.

Alimony is generally a large part of a divorce judgement. Adjusting alimony is a possibility but it’s always wise to consult with an attorney in order to see if an adjustment may be right for your particular situation.