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Alimony Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Comprehensive Alimony Guidance in Florida

Experienced Alimony Attorneys Serving Florida Residents

In many cases, alimony claims play a critical role in Florida divorce cases. The Virga Law Firm has defended client interests in all forms of alimony claims throughout Florida. Whether your case involves: bridge-the-gap, durational, or rehabilitative alimony, our experienced team of Florida alimony attorneys will guide you through every step.

We will analyze the pertinent facts of your case to best determine the most effective strategy to defend your rights regarding alimony issues. Our proven approach can help you prosecute or defend against an alimony case.

Are you looking to settle your spousal support? Call The Virga Law Firm, P.A., today at (800) 822-5170 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Florida alimony lawyers.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is any money paid from one spouse to the other as a means of support arising from a divorce case. In general, courts evaluate both parties’ economic situation to best determine the need and ability to pay any alimony. The requesting party must meet the standards of need required by law.

Exploring Different Types of Alimony Available in Florida

The types of alimony in Florida include:

  • Bridge-the-gap alimony: The payments are made to help the supported ex-spouse transition to being single and financially self-reliant. The purpose of bridge-the-gap alimony is to help spouses with legitimate short-term needs. However, the duration of such alimony cannot exceed two years.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: Payments are made in order to support an ex-spouse in learning, regaining skills, earning credentials, or acquiring work experience.
  • Durational alimony: The payments that are made for a set timeframe after a "marriage of short or moderate duration" or after a long marriage. This type of alimony cannot last any longer than half of a short-term marriage, 60% of a moderate-term marriage, or 75% of a long-term marriage.

Each divorce case is unique, and alimony decisions are made based on various factors. If you are involved in a divorce or are looking to file for divorce in Florida, it's best to consult with our alimony attorney, who is here to help you understand which type of alimony might apply to your specific situation.

HOW DOES THE COURT DETERMINE ALIMONY?

Florida courts review each case individually and rule based on the circumstances, attempting to reach a fair result. During litigation, the ability to pay is also evaluated. It’s highly unlikely for a court ruling to cause the paying party’s net worth to be less than the recipient’s. In court, several factors determine whether an alimony award is appropriate.

Key Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions:

  • The financial resources of both the spouse seeking alimony and the other party. These resources include – marital assets, non-marital assets, and liabilities
  • All income sources for both parties (e.g., investment income)
  • The earning capability, educational history, vocational skills, and employability of each party
  • Expenses related to seeking party’s education and training for employment preparation
  • The standard of living during the time of marriage
  • The marriage’s length
  • Both parties’ age, physical condition, and emotional condition
  • The contributions of each party to the marriage. This includes - home management, child care, educational attainment, and efforts pertaining to one party’s aid to the other with their career
  • The tax consequences of the alimony award to each party
  • The responsibilities of each spouse in respect to any minor children the parties have in common

Stay Informed: Recent Changes to Florida Alimony Laws in 2023

Several important legal updates occurred Florida-wide regarding alimony and related divorce processes. If you had a divorce that was pending on or after July 1, 2023, or if you have not yet filed for divorce, the updates will affect your case.

Notable Alimony Law Changes in Florida:

  • No permanent alimony: Lifetime or permanent alimony is no longer available in any circumstances.
  • Supportive relationship: If it has been proven that the spouse who is receiving alimony payments has entered a new supportive relationship, the court must reduce or terminate that alimony. The obligor (person who pays alimony) must provide such proof. The obligee (person receiving alimony) must then provide proof as to why the alimony should not be reduced or terminated if they want.
  • Limited rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is limited to no more than 5 years.
  • Durational alimony restrictions: Durational alimony cannot apply to any marriage that lasted less than 3 years. Also, the amount of alimony in a durational alimony order can’t exceed the “reasonable need” of the recipient spouse or 35% of the difference between the net incomes of the spouses, whichever amount is less. Lastly, when considering net incomes, the court can weigh the effects of child support payments.
  • Life insurance requirements: The court must make “specific written findings” if it requires an obligor to purchase life insurance to secure the alimony award.
  • Marriage lengths: A short-term marriage is now considered to have lasted 10 years or less; moderate-term marriage is now considered to have lasted between 10 to 20 years; and a long-term marriage is now considered to have lasted 20 years or more.

How Our Experienced Florida Alimony Lawyers Can Help

Hiring our Florida alimony lawyers offers key benefits that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our experienced legal team is here to ensure that your financial interests are protected throughout the process.

  • Expert guidance: Our experienced team helps you understand your rights and options under Florida alimony laws. With clear, tailored advice tailored to your specific situation, we can help you obtain alimony or oppose an unfair request.
  • Accurate Financial Assessments: Our attorneys work closely with financial experts to assess the true financial needs and capabilities of both parties, ensuring that any alimony arrangement is fair and based on accurate information.
  • Strong Advocacy: We advocate for your interests, whether you need temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent alimony. You can rely on our team to negotiate favorable settlements, but we can also represent you vigorously in court if necessary.
  • Reduced Stress: By handling the legal complexities of your alimony case, we allow you to focus on rebuilding your life post-divorce, knowing that your financial future is in capable hands.

If you choose our firm, you will gain a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result.

Get Professional Alimony Assistance in Florida Today

At The Virga Law Firm, our team of Florida alimony lawyers knows the skillful and detailed evaluation of the above factors is key to the effective presentation of your alimony claim or defense. Let our attorneys help defend your interests.

Call The Virga Law Firm, P.A., today at (800) 822-5170 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Florida alimony lawyers.

Additional Alimony Insights and Tips

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