Navigating Alimony In Florida Divorce Cases
Alimony refers to financial support during divorce proceedings and after the end of a marriage. Florida alimony laws have undergone recent shifts. If you’re seeking or disputing alimony in your divorce, it’s important to work with a lawyer who is up-to-date on all aspects of Florida family law, including alimony.
At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, our alimony attorney can advise you of how these laws apply to your situation. Whether you’re seeking alimony, disputing alimony, seeking a modification of an existing alimony order or disputing a modification, you can turn to our firm for guidance. We will work hard to protect your financial interests and work toward the outcome you desire.
Types Of Alimony In Florida
Florida law recognizes three types of alimony awards:
- Temporary alimony (alimony pendent lite), which is only in effect while the divorce proceedings are pending
- Bridge-the-gap alimony, which helps the recipient with the financial transition out of the marriage
- Rehabilitative alimony, which is designed to help the recipient get back into the workforce
- Durational alimony, which lasts a set period of time
The alimony payments might be periodic (paid on a regular basis) or lump-sum (paid all at once).
There are additional nuances to each type of alimony. Our lawyer can advise you of which might be appropriate in your case. If you’re challenging a request for alimony, we can help you find the strongest grounds for doing so.
When Is Alimony Appropriate?
Alimony isn’t granted in every divorce case – in fact, far from it. Whether alimony is appropriate in your divorce case depends on numerous circumstances, including:
- The duration of the marriage
- Each party’s income, assets and earning capacity
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Each party’s age and medical conditions or disabilities
- Each party’s contribution to the marriage, including staying home to raise children
- Adultery on the part of either spouse, including the financial impact
It’s important to note that the person seeking alimony has the burden of proving their case.
Modifying Or Enforcing Alimony
In some cases, it may be appropriate to modify an alimony award due to certain changes in circumstances. For example, perhaps the recipient has remarried or is in a financially supportive relationship. Or perhaps there has been a substantial change in circumstances such as retirement or job loss.
Our firm can help you navigate a modification. We can also help you enforce an existing alimony order.
Talk To Us About Your Alimony Questions
We can provide the individualized guidance and attention you deserve. To reach our office in Clermont, please call 352-269-8652 or send us an email. Your initial consultation is free of charge.
