What effect does adultery have on eligibility for alimony?

Adultery can indeed impact the eligibility for alimony in Georgia. The general principle is that the court may determine that a spouse who has committed adultery is not entitled to receive alimony. This is based on the notion that alimony is intended to assist a dependent spouse who has been financially disadvantaged during the marriage and, by engaging in adultery, the offending spouse demonstrates a lack of need or entitlement. Furthermore, Georgia law explicitly provides that a spouse who has committed adultery is barred from seeking alimony unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This principle serves to uphold marital fidelity and deter actions that could undermine the institution of marriage. As such, if evidence of adultery is presented, the court will likely consider it a significant factor when determining the entitlement and amount of alimony.

The other choices reflect different misunderstandings of the role adultery plays in alimony determinations. While adultery does not guarantee alimony for the non-adulterous spouse or entirely negate alimony eligibility, it does significantly influence the court's decision-making process regarding financial support post-divorce. Additionally, alimony is separate from property distribution, which can be ordered regardless of marital conduct, thus underscoring the focused impact of adultery specifically on alimony eligibility.