Pensacola Alimony Attorneys

The Virga Law Firm, P.A. – Call Us Today at (800) 822-5170

Alimony plays a prominent role in most divorce cases and our Pensacola alimony lawyers have the experience you need. Experienced in representing clients in the most formidable alimony cases including: Temporary, Bridge the Gap, Lump Sum, Rehabilitative, and Durational alimony. Our alimony attorneys in Pensacola are a team of litigators ready to pursue your alimony rights.

If you have questions regarding your alimony claim, contact our Pensacola office by dialing (800) 822-5170 now.

What is Spousal Support?

Alimony, or spousal support, is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other after a divorce or separation. It is intended to help the receiving spouse maintain a similar standard of living to what they experienced during the marriage.

Florida courts determine alimony based on various factors, including:

• The standard of living of the parties during the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• The age and physical and emotional condition of the parties
• The financial resources of each party, including the nonmarital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each
• The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties
• The contribution of each party to the marriage
• The responsibilities each party with regard to minor children they have in common
• The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award
• The income available to either party
• Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties

There are several types of alimony in Florida:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony: Short-term, helps the recipient transition from married to single life.
• Rehabilitative alimony: Provides support while the receiving spouse undergoes education or training to become self-sufficient.
• Durational alimony: Temporary alimony for a set period, often used in shorter or moderate-length marriages.

New Alimony Rules in Florida

On July 1, 2023, Florida enacted a series of legislative changes for how the state handles alimony cases and contracts. The changes apply to all divorces filed after that date, as well as any divorces filed prior that were still pending. If you have had a pending divorce for a while or are thinking of filing for divorce and will need alimony, you should be aware of the changes.

Some of the most important legal updates to Florida’s alimony rules are:

• Florida family law courts no longer allow permanent alimony in future divorces. All alimony agreements are expected to end at one point or another.
• The court must reduce or eliminate alimony if the recipient spouse enters a new supportive relationship, such as moving in with a new partner or remarrying. The paying spouse has the responsibility to prove that such a supportive relationship exists, and the recipient spouse has the responsibility to challenge any proposed alimony changes if they want.
• The duration for rehabilitative alimony used to help an ex-spouse become financially independent cannot last longer than 5 years.
• Durational alimony based on the length of marriage no longer applies to marriages that lasted less than 3 years. The amount of durational alimony paid is limited to the “reasonable need” of the recipient spouse or 35% of the difference between the net incomes of the spouses, whichever is less. When considering net incomes, the court is permitted to weigh the effects of paying or receiving child support.
• When considering marriage lengths for durational alimony, a short-term marriage lasts for 10 or less, a moderate-term marriage lasts between 10 and 20 years, and a long-term marriage lasts 20 years or more.
• If the paying spouse must use life insurance to meet alimony obligations, the court may require proof as to why it is necessary to take that step.

Can Alimony be Modified in Florida?

Yes, alimony can be modified in Florida if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This can include a significant increase or decrease in the paying spouse's income, the receiving spouse becoming self-sufficient, or changes in living situations, such as remarriage or cohabitation by the receiving spouse.

Either spouse can petition the court for a modification, but they must prove that the change is significant and unforeseen at the time of the original alimony award. Courts are careful in reviewing these requests to ensure fairness to both parties.

Does Florida Favor Either Spouse When Awarding Alimony?

Florida law does not favor either spouse when awarding alimony; the decision is based on need and ability to pay. The courts take a balanced approach by examining the financial resources and needs of both parties.

As mentioned previously, factors such as the length of the marriage, contributions made by each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage are considered. The goal is to provide fair support that allows the lower-earning spouse to maintain a reasonable standard of living while transitioning to a financially independent future.

Does Adultery Affect Alimony Decisions in Florida?

While adultery does not automatically disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony in Florida, it can have an impact. Courts may consider adultery when deciding alimony if it had a financial impact on the marriage.

For example, if one spouse spent marital funds on an extramarital affair, it could influence the amount or type of alimony awarded. However, alimony is generally based on financial need and ability to pay, and marital misconduct like adultery is usually a secondary consideration.

Get Answers to Your Alimony Questions

The right alimony agreement can make your life after divorce much easier, either as the paying spouse or the recipient spouse. The wrong alimony contract can do the opposite: make life harder for everyone. When you need to decide on alimony or fight for a fair alimony agreement in Pensacola, choose The Virga Law Firm, P.A. to be your guide. Our alimony lawyers know how to interpret even the most complex financial situations to ensure that you are financially stable when your divorce concludes.

Our alimony lawyers in Pensacola know how to effectively address these factors with the courts contributing to the success of your claim. If you have questions regarding your alimony claim, contact or call our Pensacola office today.