Alimony in Georgia – Understanding Spousal and Child Support

Alimony in Georgia – in divorce cases, clients often ask whether they or their spouse may be entitled to ongoing financial support. Unlike many Western systems, the Georgian approach to alimony is narrow. Spousal support is not automatic and is only granted in specific situations, primarily where one spouse is unable to work due to physical or mental disability or where caring responsibilities prevent employment. More commonly, Georgian courts award child support rather than spousal support. Our experienced alimony lawyers in Tbilisi help clients understand their rights, calculate obligations, and ensure that support orders are fair and enforceable.

 

The Legal Framework for Alimony in Georgia

The Family Code of Georgia regulates alimony obligations. The law distinguishes between:

• Child Support (primary form of alimony in Georgia) – Parents are legally required to provide for their children until adulthood (usually age 18). This obligation is strict and non-negotiable.

• Spousal Support (exceptional cases) – A spouse may only claim financial support if they are unable to work due to:

  • Permanent disability or serious health condition

  • Temporary incapacity caused by illness or accident

  • The need to care for a child under 3 years of age

In such cases, the court may order the financially stronger spouse to provide alimony until the incapacity ends or circumstances change.

 

Child Support – The Core of Alimony in Georgia

For most families, child support is the central issue. Key points include:

• Calculation – Georgian courts usually determine child support as a percentage of the paying parent’s monthly income declared via RS.ge. For one child, this is commonly 25%; for two children, 33%; and for three or more, up to 50%.

• Fixed Amounts – If income is irregular or undeclared, the court may order a fixed monthly amount based on average wages.

• Enforcement – Child support obligations are enforceable by bailiffs, and arrears can lead to fines or restrictions (including limits on travel abroad).

• International Cases – When one parent lives abroad, enforcement may require recognition of the Georgian order in that country or cooperation under bilateral treaties.

Our alimony lawyers in Tbilisi ensure that child support orders reflect the real financial capacity of the parent and truly meet the child’s needs.

 

Spousal Support – When Is It Available?

Unlike child support, spousal alimony in Georgia is rare. Courts will only grant it in narrowly defined situations:

• Physical or Mental Disability – If a spouse cannot work due to permanent illness or disability and does not have sufficient means of self-support.

• Caring for a Young Child – If a spouse is caring for a child under 3 years old and therefore cannot reasonably work.

• Temporary Incapacity – If illness or accident prevents employment for a defined period.

Even in these cases, spousal support is usually temporary and subject to review. The spouse claiming support must provide medical certificates, disability records, or other formal proof.

 

Protecting Your Rights in Alimony Proceedings

Whether you are seeking alimony or being asked to pay it, an experienced alimony lawyer in Georgia can make a decisive difference. We help clients by:

• Calculating Fair Support – Ensuring that child support is proportionate to real income, including undeclared earnings or hidden assets.

• Challenging Excessive Claims – Defending clients against unfair demands where disability or incapacity is not properly proven.

• Enforcing Orders – Using bailiff services to collect overdue child support and protect the child’s welfare.

• Negotiating Settlements – Sometimes parents agree to voluntary support arrangements, which must be drafted properly to be enforceable in court.

 

Alimony and Property Division – How They Interact

Alimony does not exist in isolation. It often interacts with property division and custody:

• Child Custody – The parent with primary custody generally receives child support.

• Property Division – Courts may consider which spouse receives the marital home when setting child support levels.

• Financial Capacity – Spousal support claims require evidence of both the claimant’s incapacity and the paying spouse’s ability to contribute.

See also our pages on Property Division in Georgia and Child Custody in Georgia for related guidance.

 

Practical Issues for Clients to Know

• Proof Is Essential – Without medical or disability documentation, spousal alimony is almost never granted.

• Income Disclosure – All claims must be supported by RS.ge income records or, in the absence of such, reliable evidence of financial means.

• Duration – Spousal support is usually temporary; child support continues until the child reaches 18 (and sometimes longer if studying or disabled).

• International Enforcement – For expatriates or mixed-nationality marriages, recognition of Georgian alimony judgments abroad may be required.

 

How Our Alimony Lawyers in Tbilisi Can Help

Our firm has represented hundreds of clients in alimony and child support cases across Georgia. Clients choose us because:

• Local Court Knowledge – Daily experience in Tbilisi City Court and Batumi City Court ensures efficient case handling.

• Expert Evidence Use – We coordinate with medical experts, accountants, and auditors to present strong evidence.

• International Capacity – We handle enforcement of Georgian alimony orders abroad and recognition of foreign support judgments in Georgia.

• Client-Centered Service – We understand that alimony disputes affect your family’s livelihood, so we prioritize practical, fair solutions.

 

Alimony in Georgia is a limited legal concept, focusing primarily on child support and only allowing spousal support in exceptional circumstances of disability or incapacity. Understanding these rules—and having a skilled alimony lawyer in Tbilisi by your side—ensures that your rights are protected and that support arrangements are fair and enforceable. Whether you are claiming support, defending against unfair claims, or seeking to enforce an order, our team is ready to provide the authoritative guidance you need.