Alimony is a form of financial support that someone gets as part of a divorce settlement. Florida Judges typically only award alimony if the person can show they need financial help. When you are involved in an alimony dispute, a trusted family lawyer can spell out your rights and responsibilities under Florida law.
A Coconut Grove alimony lawyer on our team can provide vital support and advocate for you on either side of the alimony question. We regularly represent spouses in court and are experienced with calculating potential alimony payments that are fair and just.
What Are the Different Types of Alimony in Coconut Grove?
Florida law allows someone to receive the following types of alimony payments:
- Bridge-the-gap payments help the person transition from co-habitation to independent living;
- Rehabilitative alimony provides structured support while the recipient becomes financially independent;
- Durational alimony provides the person with a range of temporary support.
Depending on the situation, someone may be eligible for multiple types of support and could receive alimony payments in lump sum or installment payments. A person can only receive alimony if the Judge decides they need financial support and it makes legal sense based on their situation. As of July 2023, permanent alimony is not an option in the state.
Spousal support lawyers in Coconut Grove are familiar with the various types of alimony. They can review a person’s situation during a divorce and help them determine what types of maintenance may come into play in their case.
How Long Does Alimony Last?
Alimony can last until a notable event occurs (such as remarriage or death), for a set period, or based on any other structure that works best for the parties. For example, the Judge may require payment until the receiving party finds modest employment. Alternatively, the Judge may order one side to pay a fixed amount to the other in monthly installments.
Most types of alimony automatically end when the recipient or the payor experiences a substantial change in circumstances, such as a big raise or a job loss. Likewise, maintenance may naturally end if the recipient remarries or passes away. To terminate or change alimony, the parties may need to go to court and ask the Judge for permission to end the arrangement.
An experienced alimony lawyer in Coconut Grove can help people understand the state’s complex laws around this topic. They can assist in filling out and filing paperwork to begin or end alimony and can help enforce these arrangements.
How Does the Court Calculate Alimony Payments?
Not every situation qualifies for alimony. The first question that Judges look at is whether one party even needs spousal support. Judges answer this question by looking at (among other things) the length of the marriage, whether one party was the primary caregiver, the educational and employment background of each spouse, and whether both parties can support themselves without the other.
The Judge then decides if one party needs temporary or another type of support. For example, they may determine that one party needs financial help to get additional vocational training following the divorce.
A Coconut Grove alimony lawyer understands the factors Judges use to decide how much spousal support is granted. Legal counsel can review someone’s financial records and life situation to determine what a fair arrangement should be.
Contact a Coconut Grove Alimony Attorney for Help Today
Representing yourself during an alimony hearing would only put more on your plate than needs to be there. An effective advocate from The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm helps limit the uncertainty.
Our attorneys can shed some light on the process of calculating alimony and explain any proposals before you sign them. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a Coconut Grove alimony lawyer on our team.