Aggressive Advocates Who Know What's At Stake

Last updated on April 15, 2025

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To help ensure accuracy, this page was written, edited and is periodically reviewed by a knowledgeable team of legal writers per our editorial guidelines. It was approved for publication by founding attorney Samuel Siemon, who has amassed extensive experience as a Georgia family law attorney. Our last modified date shows when the page underwent a review.

Atlanta Lawyers For Georgia Alimony And Spousal Support Issues

A critical and often contentious part of many Georgia divorces is spousal support (alimony). In most divorces, given the breakdown of the relationship, there are very few spouses who wish to make any payments to the other spouse. With the increase in the number of families where both spouses work, spousal support has become somewhat less common, as judges are instructed by the statutes to only order spousal support if the court finds it “necessary.”

Our attorneys at The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., can help you with this contentious issue. To schedule a consultation, call 770-215-0947 to make an appointment at our Atlanta office.

Why Choose The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., For Your Atlanta Spousal Support Matter

We at The Siemon Law Firm Divorce and Family Law Attorneys, P.C., have combined years of experience to offer clients. By delivering reliable legal services across the state, we have become one of the largest family law firms in Georgia. Prospective clients approach us with their concerns, and we respond with detailed feedback they need to take the next step.

Aside from possessing a positive track record, we also have remarkable accomplishments and strengths:

Super Lawyers: One of our founding partners, attorney Sam Siemon, received a Rising Star recognition in the Super Lawyers magazine from 2012 to 2019.

Avvo: Our partners and the firm’s managing attorney hold a 10.0 Superb peer-review rating in Avvo.

Community presence: We actively participate in improving local communities through volunteer work.

Bar involvement: Aside from being past presidents of the local bar associations, attorneys Sam Siemon and Josie Siemon are also members of the Atlanta Bar Association, Family Law Section.

Family law concerns are highly sensitive. We take your concerns as seriously as you do.

Whether you are opposing the granting of spousal support or are the spouse in need of support, it is essential to have an experienced attorney arguing your side. This is because, unlike child support that is governed by strict statutory guidelines, the allowance of spousal support is discretionary with the judge in your case.

What Factors Do Atlanta Judges Consider For Spousal Support?

Judges will look at a number of statutory factors to determine if spousal support is necessary, including:

A couple’s standard of living during the marriage
Length of the marriage
Age, physical and emotional state of both spouses
Financial resources of both spouses
Separate assets, liabilities and earning capacities of both spouses
Contribution to the marriage, homemaking, childcare, education and career building
Time required for either spouse to gain training and become self-sufficient

While these elements serve as a benchmark, a judge may consider other relevant factors to reach a fair decision for both parties.

Our attorneys understand the types of evidence needed to make compelling arguments, whether for or against spousal support. The general rule is if the marriage lasted more than 10 years and if one spouse put their career or education on hold to raise and care for the children, he or she is likely to receive some spousal support. On the other hand, if both spouses have successful careers and have worked during the entire length of the marriage, spousal support is unlikely.

Can Alimony Be Modified Or Terminated After Your Divorce Is Final?

Modifying alimony court orders is possible, provided you meet one of these circumstances:

Financial changes: If you or your ex-spouse experiences job loss or career advancement, either party may file a modification request in court. The judge has the final say on whether to raise, lower or keep the current amount based on the evidence presented. Once they make a ruling on this request, the filing party cannot ask for another change for at least two years from the filing date.

Cohabitation: The ex-spouse paying alimony can ask the court to lower or stop the payments when the receiving party starts living with a new partner. However, for the claim to be valid, the filing party must prove that the ex-spouse is voluntarily, continuously and openly living with their new romantic partner.

Automatic termination happens when either party passes away, the recipient remarries or the fixed term of spousal support expires.

Additionally, as time goes by, we can help you reevaluate your spousal support order and work to modify the amount depending on changes in your circumstances after the divorce.

Contact Our Firm

Spousal support is a complex issue. We can help you achieve your goals with this important element of your divorce settlement. To speak to an experienced lawyer at our Atlanta office, please contact us today at 770-215-0947.