Divorce is difficult, and questions of financial support are often the most disputed part of the process. Depending on the circumstances, you or your spouse might be entitled to monetary payments once the divorce is official.
If you wish to seek an increase in your owed amount, need assistance avoiding payments, or have questions about your rights and obligations, a dedicated family attorney can help. Let a hard-working Florida alimony lawyer advise you of your options today so you can ensure you do not leave your marriage in a difficult financial position.
Types of Alimony in Florida
The courts have the power to award spousal support payments. However, the law no longer recognizes permanent alimony, leaving four kinds of support available.
Temporary Alimony
The first type is temporary alimony, which is payments designed to provide support only while the divorce case progresses through the court system. Typically, these awards provide a spouse with the standard of living they were accustomed to during the marriage.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Another option is bridge-the-gap alimony, which is also meant for short-term use. These payments are capped at two years and last long enough for a person to transition from being married to living on their own.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative spousal support involves payments that last enough time to allow a former spouse to complete their education or job training. Once they can support themselves in a new career, this alimony concludes.
Durational Alimony
Finally, a Judge may issue an order for durational support that lasts for a pre-set amount of time. The timeline of these payments will vary depending on the length of the marriage.
An alimony lawyer in Florida can provide greater insight into the different kinds of spousal support and whether one would apply to a specific case.
What Impacts Spousal Support Payments?
The Judge overseeing a divorce case may consider various factors when deciding if alimony is necessary. These decisions are generally based on whether or not one party needs financial support at the end of their marriage, but other considerations exist.
For instance, longer marriages tend to qualify for more extensive support. The Judge will also consider details about each party, including their age, health, and mental state. The Judge will look at educational background, work history, and the ability to earn an income.
Both Parties’ Contributions
Some factors go beyond financial matters, such as the contributions made by both sides of the marriage. For example, homemaking, child-rearing, and providing support while the other spouse completes their education can each impact the final award.
With so many factors at play, it is highly beneficial to speak with a Florida alimony attorney about what to expect in the spousal support negotiations. A strong argument can sway the court, leading to a final order that dramatically impacts a person’s finances for months or years to come.
Call a Compassionate Alimony Attorney in Florida Today
When your marriage is coming to an end, alimony is one of the critical issues you may have to resolve in court. Numerous factors will work together to determine whether you are entitled to support or if you will be forced to make payments to the other party.
You do not have to handle these proceedings alone. A Florida alimony lawyer can help you evaluate your options and make the case for why one party should or should not provide spousal support every month. Get in touch with The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.