Apart From Child Support, Can a Judge Make My Husband Pay for My Vehicle for the Kids?

Author : Jeanette Soltys

When a marriage ends, especially under difficult circumstances like infidelity or disability, financial concerns become top of mind. If you’re raising children and struggling with transportation—particularly in Georgia where public transit options may be limited—it’s natural to wonder if your former spouse can be required to help with vehicle expenses beyond child support.

Child Support vs. Spousal Support: Two Separate Legal Concepts

In Georgia, child support is calculated based on a formula that considers both parents’ income and the needs of the child. It’s meant to cover basic necessities such as food, housing, clothing, and a portion of transportation costs related to raising the child.

However, expenses related specifically to your personal needs—such as maintaining a vehicle you use to transport the children—generally fall outside the scope of child support unless that expense is itemized as necessary for the child’s direct benefit. That’s where spousal support, or alimony, may come into play.

When Can a Judge Award Alimony for Vehicle Costs?

Georgia courts have the authority to award alimony based on factors such as:

• The length of the marriage

• Each party’s financial resources

• Your physical condition, including disability

• Your ability (or inability) to work

• Whether you’re receiving or have applied for disability benefits

• Your spouse’s ability to pay

If you’re disabled and primarily responsible for transporting the children, a judge may consider your need for a reliable vehicle as part of your overall spousal support claim. This could include ongoing contributions to car payments, insurance, or maintenance, especially if you are unable to work due to your health and have a demonstrated need.

Infidelity and Financial Relief

Georgia is one of the few states that still considers marital misconduct—such as adultery—when deciding whether to award alimony. If your spouse had an affair that directly led to the breakdown of the marriage, this could support your request for additional financial support. However, misconduct alone does not guarantee an award; it must be weighed alongside financial need and the other statutory factors.

How Judges Evaluate These Requests

Judges have broad discretion when it comes to alimony. Your attorney would need to present a compelling case that:

• You require assistance to maintain transportation to care for your children

• Your vehicle expenses are reasonable and essential

• Your disability limits your earning capacity

• Your former spouse has the means to contribute

Judges will not automatically award support for vehicle expenses, but under the right circumstances, they can include it as part of a larger alimony package.

At Atlanta Holistic Family Law, we understand the complexities of alimony and child-centered financial support. Through our spousal support services, we help clients in Georgia advocate for the relief they need—rooted in compassion, strategy, and a thorough understanding of the law.

Schedule a discovery call to learn how we can support you.