The Details and Definitions Matter In Family Law Affairs
Ever wondered what happens to finances after a divorce? Alimony, also sometimes called spousal support, is money one spouse pays to the other after a marriage ends. The purpose is to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar lifestyle to what they had during the marriage. But how do you know if you qualify for alimony, and how much is considered fair? If you live in Orlando, Florida, and have questions about alimony, consulting an Orlando Florida alimony attorney might be a good next step.
Quick Summary:
- Alimony in Florida is financial support one spouse pays to the other after divorce, with various types available based on the situation, such as bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent alimony.
- When deciding alimony in Florida, the court considers factors like each spouse’s income, assets, debts, marriage length, financial needs, abilities, age, health, and contributions during the marriage.
- Alimony in Florida can be enforced either through direct payments or by using the state depository, which ensures secure delivery;
- Alimony payments in Florida can be adjusted if circumstances change significantly for either spouse, such as job loss or improved financial situation, under Florida Statute 61.14,
Confused About Alimony in Florida? Here’s What You Need To Know
Imagine after a divorce, one spouse struggles financially because they stayed home to raise kids while the other spouse went to work. Alimony, also called spousal support, is like a helping hand. It’s money one spouse pays to the other after a divorce to help them adjust to life on their own. This way, they can still afford things they had during the marriage. If you live in Orlando, Florida, and have questions about alimony, talking to an Orlando Florida alimony attorney is a good next step.
What are The Types of Alimony in Florida?
In Florida, there are a few different types of alimony, depending on your situation. Each kind is meant to help you adjust to life after a divorce:
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This is like a short-term loan, for up to two years, to help you get back on your feet after the divorce.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This helps you get the training or education you need to find a job if you haven’t been working for a while.
- Durational alimony: This is for marriages that lasted a medium length of time. It lasts for a set period to help you adjust financially.
- Permanent alimony: This is the rarest kind. It’s like long-term support for someone who can’t fully support themselves after a very long marriage.
If you’re going through a divorce in Florida and have questions about alimony, talking to an Orlando Florida alimony attorney can help you understand which type might be right for you.
What Are the Factors to Consider For Alimony Filing?
Deciding alimony in Florida isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The court considers a bunch of things to see if one spouse needs help financially after a divorce. Here’s what they look at:
- Money matters: This includes how much each spouse makes, what they own, and any debts they have.
- Marriage length: Generally, the longer the marriage, the more likely alimony is awarded.
- Needs and abilities: Can one spouse afford things they had during the marriage on their own? Does the other spouse need help getting back on their feet or retraining for a job?
- Age and health: If one spouse is older or has health issues that make it hard to work, the court may consider alimony.
- Contributions during marriage: Did one spouse stay home to raise kids while the other worked? The court might consider that.
If you’re going through a divorce in Florida and have questions about alimony, talking to an Orlando Florida alimony attorney can help you understand these factors and how they might apply to your situation.
How Is Alimony Enforced in Florida?
Enforcing alimony payments in Florida can involve two methods: direct payments from the paying spouse or utilizing the state depository. The state depository acts as a middleman, ensuring timely and secure delivery of alimony.
If payments are missed, the recipient can report the delinquency to the state and they will handle collection. However, if direct payments are chosen, the responsibility falls on the recipient to report missed payments.
In cases where the paying spouse claims financial hardship and cannot afford alimony, the burden of proof lies with them. The court may then order them to seek employment or even hold them in contempt if the judge determines the inability to pay is intentional.
Can Alimony Payments Be Adjusted in Florida?
Alimony payments aren’t set in stone in Florida. If things change a lot for either spouse, the court can adjust the alimony, under Florida Statute 61.14. This could mean more money, less money, or even stopping the payments altogether. Here are some examples:
- Maybe the spouse paying alimony loses their job. The court might lower the payments until they find a new one.
- Or maybe the spouse receiving alimony finishes their training and gets a good job. The court might stop the alimony payments because they don’t need the help anymore.
There are some rules about which type of alimony can be changed, but a lawyer can explain those. The most important thing is that if something big happens in your life that affects your finances, you can talk to a judge and see if your alimony payments need to change.
Sort Out Family Law Matters Peacefully With An Attorney!
Breaking up is never easy to do, especially if you’ve been married. There’s so much more to sort out apart from emotional pain and payments are just one of it. The concept of alimony is taxing and confusing for many, which is why our Orlando Florida alimony attorney is here to help.
If this situation sounds a lot like yours, get in touch with our Orlando Florida alimony attorney from Perez-Calhoun Law Firm, P.A. Our FL family law attorney can guide you through family law matters such as:
Don’t spend your days lost and confused. Focus on getting what you deserve with the help of our Orlando Florida alimony attorney. Schedule a free initial consultation right now.
