Florida Alimony Lawyer

In the state of Florida, alimony & spousal support must be considered in all cases. Your Florida alimony lawyer should be well versed in recent changes in alimony laws. Steven D. Miller, P.A. and his team are experienced in providing support and guidance throughout your divorce process.

The court may grant alimony to either party which alimony may be:

bridge the gap
rehabilitative
durational
permanent

You must let your spousal support lawyer know if there is an issue about adultery as the court may consider the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded.

Determining Spousal Support

There is no spousal support calculator. In determining whether to award alimony or spousal support, the court must decide whether your spousal support lawyer has established an actual need for alimony or maintenance, and whether either party has the ability to pay alimony or spousal maintenance. Florida divorce laws compel the court to consider the following elements:

The standard of living established during the marriage.
The duration of the marriage.
The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.
The financial resources of each party, including the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.
The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties and, when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.
The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.
The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common.
The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment.
All sources of income available to either party, including income available to either party through investments of any asset held by that party.
Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.

Factors that will Impact Alimony

To the extent necessary to protect an award of spousal support, the court may order any party who is ordered to pay alimony to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or a bond, or to otherwise secure such alimony award with any other assets which may be suitable for that purpose.

How long have you been married?

Less than 7 years = short term marriage
7 years but less than 17 years = moderate term marriage
17 years or greater = long term marriage

The length of a marriage is the period of time from the date of marriage until the date of filing of an action for dissolution of marriage.

Types of spousal support?

Bridge the gap alimony – may not exceed 2 years.
Rehabilitative alimony – to reestablish skills or acquire new ones.
Durational alimony – economic assistance for a set period of time (no longer than the length of the marriage) following a marriage of short or moderate duration.
Permanent alimony – may be awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they were established during the marriage of the parties for a party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs and necessities of life following dissolution of marriage.

Florida Alimony and Online Divorce Lawyers

A Florida family law attorney will be able to discuss alimony cases in depth with you. It is important to give your divorce lawyer full information regarding your case from the beginning so that they can help you decide the best way to protect your assets, or to gain the support you deserve.

Steven D. Miller, P.A. is an online Florida Divorce Law Firm. Our main offerings include alimony, child support attorney services, child support modification and Florida child custody attorney services including parenting plans and relocation.