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Attorneys Vic Hill and Brad MacDonald

Can Georgia spouses be jailed for missing alimony payments?

It’s understandable that in many situations, parents who miss child support payments could face jail time. However, divorced spouses in Georgia may face time in jail for missing alimony payments. This is the case with a man who has been jailed multiple times and is now on a work release program. He must report to jail by a certain time each evening and leave during the day for work. In order for him to be released, he must pay $25,000 in back alimony.

A man claims that he has been sent to jail at least eight times over a space of two years for missing alimony payments. He previously had a salary of $1 million a year, but due to the economy, he had gaps in employment. The man attempted to make timely payments until he used up all of his savings. Some states order spouses to pay lifetime alimony, even if they do not have the financial resources to do so.

In order to provide relief, some areas are recommending laws to restrict the duration of alimony payments, especially if the husband’s circumstances change. Another bill concerning alimony would only require those with high incomes to pay. One state has completely eliminated permanent alimony all together.

Many communities have made modifications to the traditional court-ordered alimony. Some areas have abolished permanent alimony, while other areas have limited the amount paid and for how long. When a spouse in Georgia who has been ordered to pay alimony, finds themselves in a financial struggle, it may be beneficial to seek help from a legal representative.

Source: bloomberg.com, Jail Becomes Home for Husband Stuck With Lifetime Alimony, Sophia Pearson, Aug. 27, 2013