What are Your Alimony Options?

Life is full of choices. Alimony in Florida is no different.

When someone gets a divorce, they will often ask for alimony (sometimes referred to as “spousal support”) if their soon-to-be ex makes more money than them or has access to more resources. Sometimes it’s included as a bargaining chip to be leveraged in future negotiations. Other times it’s a genuine request with a valid underlying reason.

The court will then look at a number of factors when rendering its decision, assuming that the two parties don’t come to an agreement on their own. Included in that consideration will be the financial circumstances and future needs of the two spouses, as well as the length of the marriage and each party’s earning potential.

Occasionally, the judge will find reason to order temporary alimony. This order will require one party to support the other financially during the proceedings. The payments will stop as soon as the divorce is finalized.

There are other short-term options that can kick in once the final papers are signed. The court may find reason to award alimony because of special circumstances. This can include support until all of the marital assets are sold (i.e. the family house), but is more likely to be awarded when one spouse needs time and assistance to begin their new life.

One particular example is education or another form of job training. The court can require the other spouse to actually pay for the training so long as the costs are explicitly detailed and submitted.

Finally, the last two forms are durational and permanent alimony. Durational alimony will go on for as long as the marriage lasted. If you were married for 15 years, the court will require you to make payments for 15 years after the divorce. And permanent alimony is self-explanatory.

The last form has come under attack in the Florida legislature. A bill advanced to the governor’s desk as recently as two years ago, but Rick Scott refused to sign it because of “people who were counting on alimony payments,” per Dan Sweeney of the SunSentinel.

Laws are constantly evolving. Don’t be caught unprepared. Let the Men’s Divorce Law Firm of Orlando, Florida, assist you during your divorce. Contact us today to set up an initial appointment so we can help you move forward.

https://www.mensdivorcelaw.com/what-are-your-alimony-options/