Atlanta Divorce Lawyers Anticipate Change in Alimony Laws
August 6, 2012 By The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
The Atlanta divorce lawyers at the Margolis Legal Group understand how painful divorce is for couples, and the division of a life together can lead to unexpected problems, especially since some divorce laws address outdated standards from the past. However, as other states enact new laws that reflect today’s lifestyle, Atlanta divorce attorneys predict that Georgia may follow suit.
The Atlanta divorce lawyers at the Margolis Legal Group understand how painful divorce is for couples, and the division of a life together can lead to unexpected problems, especially since some divorce laws address outdated standards from the past. However, as other states enact new laws that reflect today’s lifestyle, Atlanta divorce attorneys predict that Georgia may follow suit.
Alimony laws date back to days when divorced women did not have the means to support themselves, and the higher-earning ex-spouse had a lasting monetary obligation to support his former partner. Alimony payments end when the receiving partner remarries. However, in today’s world, many couples live together outside of a legal marriage while enjoying the monetary perks of a shared income. In this situation, the spouse receives the benefit of this shared income, while continuing to receive alimony payments from the ex-spouse.
While Georgia has not legally acknowledged that many couples today cohabitate rather than remarry, the precedent set by states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts may encourage a change in Georgia alimony laws. These states have set a few new ground rules for alimony payments. For example, Massachusetts courts now allow alimony payments to be adjusted based on the receiving spouse’s living situation. If the alimony payer can prove that his or her ex-spouse is living with another partner, the court may eliminate or reduce the payments, depending on how long the ex has been cohabitating. Connecticut has enacted similar legislation to provide a balance of equality for alimony-paying ex-spouses.
Atlanta divorce lawyers predict that Georgia will eventually follow other states in reevaluating alimony policies. Divorce laws are constantly evolving to adapt to the conventions of modern-day society, and alimony is one part of the process. If you are going through a divorce, or considering a divorce, contact the Atlanta divorce lawyers at Margolis Legal Group today to discuss your options and learn how we can make divorce laws work in your favor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrew Margolis
Andrew B. Margolis has devoted his entire legal career to the handling of criminal matters. Originally from Smithtown, New York, Mr. Margolis graduated from Smithtown High School in 1993 and attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he graduated Cum Laude, receiving a B.A. in Politics and Legal Studies in 1997. While still in college, Mr. Margolis was part of a legal team that successfully sued the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and forced it to provide better access for people with disabilities.
Copyright The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
More information about The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Alimony laws date back to days when divorced women did not have the means to support themselves, and the higher-earning ex-spouse had a lasting monetary obligation to support his former partner. Alimony payments end when the receiving partner remarries. However, in today’s world, many couples live together outside of a legal marriage while enjoying the monetary perks of a shared income. In this situation, the spouse receives the benefit of this shared income, while continuing to receive alimony payments from the ex-spouse.
While Georgia has not legally acknowledged that many couples today cohabitate rather than remarry, the precedent set by states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts may encourage a change in Georgia alimony laws. These states have set a few new ground rules for alimony payments. For example, Massachusetts courts now allow alimony payments to be adjusted based on the receiving spouse’s living situation. If the alimony payer can prove that his or her ex-spouse is living with another partner, the court may eliminate or reduce the payments, depending on how long the ex has been cohabitating. Connecticut has enacted similar legislation to provide a balance of equality for alimony-paying ex-spouses.
Atlanta divorce lawyers predict that Georgia will eventually follow other states in reevaluating alimony policies. Divorce laws are constantly evolving to adapt to the conventions of modern-day society, and alimony is one part of the process. If you are going through a divorce, or considering a divorce, contact the Atlanta divorce lawyers at Margolis Legal Group today to discuss your options and learn how we can make divorce laws work in your favor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andrew Margolis
Andrew B. Margolis has devoted his entire legal career to the handling of criminal matters. Originally from Smithtown, New York, Mr. Margolis graduated from Smithtown High School in 1993 and attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he graduated Cum Laude, receiving a B.A. in Politics and Legal Studies in 1997. While still in college, Mr. Margolis was part of a legal team that successfully sued the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and forced it to provide better access for people with disabilities.
Copyright The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
More information about The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
View all articles published by The Margolis Legal Group, Inc
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
