Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony Lawyer in Lake County, FL

Spouses facing divorce may need have a need for alimony. Alimony is also known as spousal support. For example, spousal support may be awarded to a spouse who contributed as a homemaker and needs rehabilitative alimony. The courts determine alimony based on many factors during divorce proceedings.

The courts review the following factors determining alimony:

  • Assets, financial contributions, and sources of income
  • Standard of living during the marriage
  • Duration of the marriage
  • Earning capacity of both parties
  • Responsibilities of minor children involved in the divorce
  • Health, age, and emotional condition of each spouse
  • Marital contributions such as child rearing, homemaking, and career building

Most of the time spouses can agree on the terms of alimony in a divorce settlement. But when spouses can’t come to a agreement, the judge makes a determination for spousal support.

Understanding Your Alimony Options

When it comes to alimony, there are various options and factors to consider. Whether you are seeking spousal support or looking to modify an existing alimony agreement, it's important to understand your legal rights and options. Our experienced alimony lawyers in Lake County, FL can guide you through the process and help you pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.

Some important considerations for alimony include:

  • Types of alimony available in Florida
  • Factors that determine eligibility for alimony
  • How to pursue spousal support in a divorce case
  • Options for modifying alimony agreements
  • Understanding when spousal support ends

At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, we specialize in handling delicate matters concerning alimony and family law. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of alimony law.

What is Alimony?

Alimony is a court-ordered provision of a divorce decree. The purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to the spouse who has a need in a divorce. There are many different types of alimony awarded in Florida.

  • Permanent alimony - support awarded to spouses married longer than seventeen years.
  • Durational alimony - spousal support awarded to spouses for the length of the marriage.
  • Rehabilitative alimony - provided to assist spouses with furthering education and career but only temporarily.
  • Bridge-The-Gap alimony - temporary alimony with a two-year maximum benefit to help spouses with short-term needs.
  • Lump Sum alimony - created to assist with the proportionment of assets.
  • Temporary alimony - designed to help with divorce costs, but ends when the divorce is finalized.

Alimony payments are made through depositories called the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) allocating funds to the spouse receiving payments when children are involved in the divorce. If no children are included in the divorce, then the parties can agree on how the funds can be allocated. This limits contact with spouses after finalizing their divorce.

Ultimately the courts have to determine the need for alimony versus the ability to pay alimony. Florida laws cover determinations for alimony under Florida statutes (fl.stat.sec §61.08).

Pursuing Spousal Support in Florida

Steps that should be taken before pursuing alimony:

  1. Create a budget of estimated expenses.
  2. Consult with a family law attorney.
  3. File the proper documents with the courts.
  4. Start living independently. For example, move out of the family home.

Modification of Alimony

Spousal support can be modified. Support can only be modified after the original court order has been ordered. There must be a substantial change in living circumstances to petition for modification.

When Spousal Support Ends

Alimony ends when:

  • The date that automatically terminates the alimony court order
  • When one spouse can no longer pay, such as becoming disabled
  • When the spouse receiving support no longer has a need
  • The spouse enters into another supportive relationship

The Law Offices of Jason G. Smith Handles Delicate Matters Concerning Alimony

Oftentimes alimony is need. Getting assistance from a divorce attorney to help navigate the legalities of your divorce proceedings may be beneficial for your financial exigencies. The Law Offices of Jason G. Smith can help guide you with your spousal support concerns.

Commonly Asked Questions

How is alimony determined in Winter Garden, FL?

Alimony is determined based on factors such as assets, financial contributions, standard of living during the marriage, duration of the marriage, earning capacity of both parties, responsibilities of minor children, health, age, emotional condition of each spouse, and marital contributions.

What are the types of alimony awarded in Florida?

The types of alimony awarded in Florida include permanent alimony, durational alimony, rehabilitative alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, lump sum alimony, and temporary alimony, each serving different purposes in providing financial support to the spouse in need.

How are alimony payments made in Winter Garden, FL?

Alimony payments are made through depositories like the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), which allocates funds to the spouse receiving payments when children are involved in the divorce. If no children are included, the parties can agree on fund allocation to limit contact after finalizing the divorce.

What steps should be taken before pursuing alimony in Florida?

Before pursuing alimony, it is advisable to create a budget of estimated expenses, consult with a family law attorney, file the proper documents with the courts, and start living independently, such as moving out of the family home.

Can spousal support be modified in Winter Garden, FL?

Yes, spousal support can be modified, but only after the original court order has been issued. There must be a substantial change in living circumstances to petition for modification.

When does spousal support end in Winter Garden, FL?

Spousal support can end on the date specified in the court order, when one spouse can no longer pay, when the spouse receiving support no longer has a need, or when the spouse enters into another supportive relationship.