Experienced Alimony Attorney In Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Under Florida’s alimony laws, spousal support or alimony is financial assistance that one spouse may be required to provide to the other after divorce. It is intended to help a financially dependent spouse transition to self-sufficiency. 2023 changes to spousal support laws mean that your divorce may be affected.
At the law office of Daniel W. Uhlfelder, P.A., in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, our attorney has extensive experience helping clients dealing with complex divorce issues such as alimony and spousal support. He takes the time to carefully understand your specific situation and strives to meet your needs with personal attention and genuine involvement. During a free initial consultation, we can help you determine whether spousal support should be considered in your divorce settlement. To get started, call us at 850-909-2225 or reach out online.
Helping You Determine The Right Amount Of Spousal Support
The laws and regulations surrounding spousal support are complex and must be understood to know what kind of options you can pursue. We can provide you effective legal assistance throughout the divorce process, and we educate our clients so they can make confident decisions.
The court must determine both whether to award spousal support, and if so, the amount should be. It considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age, and health. Personal conduct in the marriage could also be considered.
- Was one partner a stay-at-home parent?
- Does either spouse suffer from a disability that impacts their earning potential?
- Is there a substantial disparity in earnings and earning potential?
- Did one partner contribute to another’s career (such as supporting a spouse through medical school or law school)?
- Were infidelity or other factors like addiction or abuse at play (In some cases, these factors can lead to a larger share of marital property in the divorce)?
Whether you expect to pay or receive spousal support, we will ensure that the court has the information it needs to make a fair and balanced decision about alimony.
When And Why Alimony Awards Can Be Modified
Just like child support awards, spousal support may be modified (with court approval) if either of the parties has experienced a significant change in personal or financial circumstances. Examples would include loss of a job, a significant change in pay or a change in the relationship status of the receiving spouse (getting remarried or in a committed cohabiting relationship).
Florida’s alimony laws underwent a major overhaul in 2023. The changes largely placed limits on the duration and scope of alimony awards. Although increases in payments are sometimes approved, it is more common for courts to reduce the award or end alimony altogether.
Alimony FAQs
Here are answers to commonly asked questions to help you understand the basics of alimony, especially in a complex divorce.
How long does spousal support last in Florida?
The duration of alimony depends on the type awarded. Florida law allows for:
- Temporary alimony
- Bridge-the-gap alimony
- Rehabilitative alimony
- Durational alimony
- Permanent alimony
With changes to Florida’s alimony laws in 2023, permanent alimony is no longer an option in most cases, including in high-asset divorce. Instead, courts award durational alimony, which lasts for a set period but cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Is there a limit to how much of my income my ex can get as part of alimony?
Yes, Florida law limits how much alimony can be awarded. Generally, alimony payments cannot exceed the recipient’s reasonable needs or 35% of the difference between spouses’ net incomes.
Does a child support order impact alimony payments?
Yes, child support obligations are considered when determining alimony.
Since child support is intended for the child’s needs, the court helps ensure an alimony award does not leave the paying spouse without sufficient financial resources.
What can I do if my ex refuses to pay their alimony?
If your ex stops paying court-ordered alimony, you can take legal action.
Options include filing a motion for contempt, which can result in wage garnishment or other enforcement measures.
Am I eligible for alimony payments after my divorce?
Eligibility depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, financial need and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
Our attorney can review your situation and help determine whether you qualify for alimony payments.
Contact Us Today To Discuss Your Alimony Options
We are here to help you determine if spousal support is applicable to your divorce. To schedule a free initial consultation with our attorney, call 850-909-2225 or fill out a short contact form today. Together, we can work to find options to protect your rights and future.