Question:   I've caught my husband on websites like Ashley Madison, Arrangement Finders, Seeking Arrangement and other “sugar daddy” sites.  I'm so tired of him trying to hook-up with other ladies.  Each time I catch him looking at those types of websites he lies and tells me he's doing research for his job.  He even said that he has to look at porn sites to get new ideas for some projects at work.  But he's a dentist, so I know he's full of it.

I actually caught him in our bed with a woman and he told me that she's a patient and that he was using a new method of tooth extraction and it involves getting the patient very relaxed.  I think he's lost respect for me and that's why he lies to my face.

Our marriage hasn't been great for a long time.  But every time I talk about a divorce and that he'll have to pay me alimony he tries to make up.  That's when he buys me diamond rings, gold necklaces, pearls and expensive Swiss watches.

When I told him that this time I couldn't take all the lies and I wanted a divorce and alimony he said that he does have to pay any alimony to me because we haven't been married for 30 years.  We have been married for 24 years.  I dropped out of high school to marry him.

Is that true?  Can I get alimony?

G.H. in Sandy Springs, GA

Answer:   Your husband's statement that you can only receive alimony if you have been married for 30 years is simply not true.  Under Georgia law, many factors are taken into account when a judge decides whether or not to grant alimony.

Here are some of the factors that play into an alimony award:

1. Length of the marriage: While it is more likely that alimony will be granted for a longer term marriage, even for a marriage that lasted only briefly alimony can be involved.
2. Standard of living maintained during the marriage: If a party can independently support herself/himself in a manner similar to that of the marriage, then alimony might not be granted or it might be for a lower amount.
3. Need and ability to pay: The court has to determine if there is a need for alimony by a party and it has to determine if a party can actually pay alimony.
4. Earning capacity of each party: Does one party have a much higher earning capacity than the other party?  Maybe one party has been working for years and the other party has not worked at all, that will play into the calculation.

Please call us and we can discuss your matter and go over all of your options.

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Do you have questions about alimony?  Please call us at 678-215-4106. 

Valerie Sherman & Bill Sherman's lengthy experience includes serving as a Magistrate Judge, an Assistant Attorney General and as a Senior Assistant County Attorney. 

When you need an alimony attorney, our team is here for you.