Alimony Attorneys

Alimony, which can also be called “maintenance”, is support that one spouse provides to the other during or after a divorce.  Although it can be associated with child support and children, in some circumstances it is just between the individuals of each party. Alimony in general, is the provisions or support ordered by the court for one party to pay the other for support after a marriage has ended. This can be granted to either party based off substantiated needs by the court. In Tampa, alimony attorneys often help negotiate such agreements as part of the divorce proceedings.

Most often, the higher earner of the two passes resources to the lower earner with various justifications. This helps to cover living expenses to education/retraining and, in some cases, as an arrangement of permanent support.

How Is Alimony Determined in the State of Florida?

In the determination of alimony, there are many factors involved that are considered by the court in adjudicating who may get awarded what. Determining fair, equitable alimony is a difficult process that requires detailed financial disclosures, the examination of lifestyle and assets, and projections for the future. A host of factors are considered, including each spouse’s independent earning capacity; their age, health, and standard of living; their contributions to the marriage and each other’s individual success; and responsibilities regarding children and parenting.

There are different kinds of alimony. Understanding the various kinds of alimony is important and explained under Florida Statute §61.08. The first addressed is the bridge-the-gap alimony. This is only intended to be a short-term or temporary provision that “may be awarded to assist a party by providing support to allow the party to transition from being married to single. It is designed to assist a party with legitimate identifiable short-term needs, and the length of an award may not exceed two years.

Different Kinds of Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony provides financial support to a spouse until they can support themselves. A spouse may need the redevelopment of previous skills and credentials, further education and training, or work experience. This kind helps support a party while they develop better or higher levels of education to apply in their employment.

Permanent alimony was eliminated in the state of Florida on June 30, 2023. The law went into effect on July 1, 2023. No ex-spouse will be able to claim permanent alimony/spousal support going forward or after the above date. All future spousal support orders must have specific purposes, amounts, and durations

Approaching the issue from both the payor and payee sides requires a trusted partner who understands the interplay between every important issue in the life of a marriage. Hunter Law will work closely with you to determine an arrangement that meets your needs and positions you to build a happy, fulfilling life after your divorce. In Florida, alimony modification is possible depending on the circumstances.