Parents must support their minor children, whether or not they live together. Alimony is how that duty is met.
Who pays alimony
As a rule, the parent who doesn't live with the child pays alimony. Alimony can also be ordered for an adult child who is unable to work and needs support.
How the amount is determined
Georgian law doesn't set a fixed percentage. The amount is agreed by the parents or, if they can't agree, set by the court, taking into account the child's needs and the parents' financial situation.
- The child's age and needs — food, education, medical care
- Both parents' income and assets
- Other people the parent must support
Agreement or court
It's best if the parents agree on alimony themselves — the agreement should be put in writing. If they can't agree, you can ask the court to order alimony.
Can the amount be changed?
Yes. If the parent's or the child's situation changes significantly — for example, income drops or the child's needs grow — you can ask for the alimony to be increased or reduced.
What happens if alimony isn't paid
A court decision is enforced through the National Bureau of Enforcement, and evading alimony can also lead to criminal liability. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the easier it is to recover the debt.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.