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Alimony can be one of the most important financial issues in a Florida divorce. Whether you are seeking support or being asked to pay it, the outcome can affect your finances long after the divorce is final.
Florida courts consider several factors when deciding alimony, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning ability, the standard of living during the marriage, financial need, and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Florida law allows different forms of alimony depending on the circumstances, including:
Temporary alimony during the divorce case.
Bridge-the-gap alimony to help a spouse transition from married life to single life.
Rehabilitative alimony to help a spouse obtain education, training, or work experience.
Durational alimony for support over a set period of time after the divorce.
Florida no longer awards permanent alimony in new cases following changes to Florida alimony law. It is therefore important to speak with an expert in family law about your case.
Alimony is not automatic. The court must first determine whether one spouse has a genuine need for support and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. After that, the court reviews the specific facts of the marriage and each party’s financial situation.
Important issues may include:
Length of the marriage, income of both parties, employability, childcare responsibilities, contributions to the marriage, assets and debts, and whether either spouse needs time to become financially independent.
The recent changes in Florida’s alimony law may also provide limits to the duration and amount of alimony that can be awarded. Speak to a family law specialist like Michael Hymowitz to discuss your situation.
In some cases, alimony may be modified or terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This can include retirement, job loss, a major income change, or a supportive relationship involving the spouse receiving alimony.
Alimony cases are highly fact-specific. A carefully prepared financial presentation can make a significant difference in the outcome. Our firm helps clients understand their rights, evaluate exposure, and pursue fair alimony results in Florida divorce cases.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your Florida alimony matter. Call us at (954) 228-3002 or use our contact form to speak to a family law expert about your case.
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