Georgia Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support and how long it lasts under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5. Enter your numbers below for an instant estimate with a step-by-step breakdown and statute citations.
Georgia Alimony Calculator
This state publishes a guideline equation that takes a share of the payor’s income and subtracts a share of the payee’s.
Based on O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5 · Verified June 1, 2026
Georgia has no statutory alimony formula
Georgia has no statutory alimony formula, so this figure uses the AAML national guideline (30% of the payor's gross income minus 20% of the payee's, capped at 40% of combined income) purely as a ballpark. The figure below is an estimate to give you a ballpark — a Georgia judge decides the actual amount and duration using the factors listed beneath the calculator. About this method.
Enter income details to see your estimate
Eligibility: No minimum marriage length. Award depends on demonstrated need and ability to pay; adultery or desertion by the spouse seeking support that caused the separation bars alimony (O.C.G.A. 19-6-1).
Factors Georgia Courts Weigh
- •The standard of living established during the marriage
- •The duration of the marriage
- •The age and the physical and emotional condition of both parties
- •The financial resources of each party
- •Where applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to find appropriate employment
- •The contribution of each party to the marriage, including homemaking, child care, education, and career-building of the other spouse
- •The condition of the parties, including the separate estate, earning capacity, and fixed liabilities of each party
- •Any other relevant factors the court deems equitable and proper
How Georgia Alimony Works
- •Georgia has NO statutory formula for the amount of alimony. Under O.C.G.A. 19-6-5, a judge weighs eight statutory factors and sets the amount at its discretion; awards vary widely by case and judge.
- •Eligibility is needs-and-ability based: there is no automatic entitlement. A spouse must show financial need and the other spouse's ability to pay. Marital misconduct (adultery or desertion that caused the separation) can bar alimony entirely under O.C.G.A. 19-6-1.
- •Georgia recognizes both 'permanent' (which can mean ongoing/long-term) and 'temporary' (pendente lite) alimony, and awards may be periodic or lump sum, but the state publishes no temporary-support guideline equation.
- •Duration is also discretionary. Georgia courts often award rehabilitative alimony for a limited period in shorter marriages and longer-term support after long marriages, but no statute ties duration to a multiple or percentage of marriage length.
- •Recent legislative reform in 2024 (e.g., SB-454) revised CHILD SUPPORT guidelines, not alimony. The alimony statutes (O.C.G.A. 19-6-1 and 19-6-5) and their factor-based, discretionary framework remain in effect as of June 2026.
This is an estimate for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Alimony is highly discretionary; a Georgia judge can order a different amount or duration. Consult a licensed Georgia family-law attorney about your situation. See the official Georgia resource.
How Georgia Calculates Alimony
Georgia addresses spousal support under O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5. It uses a guideline equation that takes a percentage of the payor's gross income and subtracts a percentage of the payee's gross income, with statutory caps. The calculator above applies that equation to your figures and shows each step.
Unlike child support, alimony is one of the most discretionary areas of family law. Even in states with a guideline equation, the figure is a starting point a judge can adjust after weighing the statutory factors, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's needs and ability to pay. Treat any number here as an informed estimate, not a guaranteed award.
Key Rules in Georgia
- Georgia has NO statutory formula for the amount of alimony. Under O.C.G.A. 19-6-5, a judge weighs eight statutory factors and sets the amount at its discretion; awards vary widely by case and judge.
- Eligibility is needs-and-ability based: there is no automatic entitlement. A spouse must show financial need and the other spouse's ability to pay. Marital misconduct (adultery or desertion that caused the separation) can bar alimony entirely under O.C.G.A. 19-6-1.
- Georgia recognizes both 'permanent' (which can mean ongoing/long-term) and 'temporary' (pendente lite) alimony, and awards may be periodic or lump sum, but the state publishes no temporary-support guideline equation.
- Duration is also discretionary. Georgia courts often award rehabilitative alimony for a limited period in shorter marriages and longer-term support after long marriages, but no statute ties duration to a multiple or percentage of marriage length.
- Recent legislative reform in 2024 (e.g., SB-454) revised CHILD SUPPORT guidelines, not alimony. The alimony statutes (O.C.G.A. 19-6-1 and 19-6-5) and their factor-based, discretionary framework remain in effect as of June 2026.
How Long Alimony Lasts in Georgia
Under the AAML national guideline, duration is a share of the marriage length that rises with the length of the marriage; marriages of 20+ years may receive indefinite support. This is an illustration, not a state durational rule.
What Counts as Income
Georgia's calculation uses each spouse’s gross income — earnings before taxes, including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and many recurring sources. Courts can also impute income to a spouse who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, meaning support can be based on what a spouse could earn rather than what they currently do. Use your most recent pay stubs and tax return for the most accurate estimate.
Eligibility & Modifying an Order
No minimum marriage length. Award depends on demonstrated need and ability to pay; adultery or desertion by the spouse seeking support that caused the separation bars alimony (O.C.G.A. 19-6-1).
Alimony orders can usually be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — for example, a significant change in either spouse's income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, retirement, or the payor's loss of employment. The specific rules and any non-modifiable agreements depend on your court order and Georgia law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Georgia alimony calculator accurate?
It applies the Georgia guideline from O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5 to the numbers you enter, so it gives a close estimate of a typical guideline award. It is not an official court calculation — a judge can order a different amount after weighing the statutory factors.
Is alimony taxable in Georgia?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is not deductible by the payor and is not taxable income to the recipient under federal law. Most states follow the federal treatment, but check Georgia's current rules for state income tax.
Does cheating affect alimony in Georgia?
It depends on the state. Some states let courts consider marital misconduct among the alimony factors, while others bar it entirely. Review O.C.G.A. § 19-6-5 and speak with a Georgia attorney about how fault is treated where you live.
Can alimony be changed later?
Usually yes. Alimony can often be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances — such as a large change in income, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or the payor's retirement — unless your order or agreement makes it non-modifiable.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Alimony is highly fact-specific and discretionary; the amount and duration a Georgia court actually orders may differ significantly from any estimate here. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Georgia family-law attorney.
Know someone who could use this? Share this free tool: