Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia
What does the phrase "Entering into a meretricious relationship" mean?
1 Answer from Attorneys
OCGA 19-6-19 (b) defines it as living continuously and openly with someone else of either sex (sex is implied but not required). Here's the statute:
(b) Subsequent to a final judgment of divorce awarding periodic payment of alimony for the support of a spouse, the voluntary cohabitation of such former spouse with a third party in a meretricious relationship shall also be grounds to modify provisions made for periodic payments of permanent alimony for the support of the former spouse. As used in this subsection, the word 'cohabitation' means dwelling together continuously and openly in a meretricious relationship with another person, regardless of the sex of the other person. In the event the petitioner does not prevail in the petition for modification on the ground set forth in this subsection, the petitioner shall be liable for reasonable attorney�s fees incurred by the respondent for the defense of the action.