Martin County Spousal Support Attorneys
Helping Clients Navigate the Complexities of Alimony
If you’re going through a divorce in Florida, you will have several family law matters to work out before the final court hearing. One of these issues is spousal support, also known as alimony. While not every divorce case involves alimony, the ones that do can quickly become complicated since there are several factors to consider when calculating payments. Fortunately, the family law attorneys at Treasure Coast Legal can assist with this aspect of your case.
Whether you’re seeking spousal support or contesting an alimony claim from your spouse, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a difference in your case. Our legal team is committed to protecting your financial future and achieving a fair resolution, so call our law office today for an initial consultation with attorneys who will work hard to get you a positive outcome.
What Are the Types of Alimony in Florida?
Alimony is supposed to help one spouse reach financial stability after the marriage ends, especially when there is a significant difference in income. So, if you earn more money than your spouse and they would struggle to support themselves without your income, the court might order you to pay spousal support.
On the other hand, if your former spouse was the primary income earner and you’re worried you won’t be able to afford your bills after the divorce, you can ask your Florida divorce lawyer if you qualify for alimony. If so, they will review the different types of alimony in Florida to determine which one suits your case. They include:
- Temporary alimony: This type of support is meant to help one spouse pay their bills during the divorce proceeding, as it ends on the day the divorce is final
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This can be paid for up to two years to give the lower-earning spouse time to begin earning enough to support themselves after divorce
- Rehabilitative alimony: This can be paid for up to five years, giving the lower-earning spouse time to earn a college degree or learn the job skills necessary to support themselves
- Durational alimony: This type of spousal support lasts for a specific period of time that is shorter than the length of the marriage
Note that Florida laws no longer allow the courts to order permanent alimony, so these payments will typically end after months or years, depending on the circumstances. Call our Martin County law office to speak with an alimony lawyer who can determine if you’ll be the paying spouse or the recipient spouse.
How Are Alimony Payments Calculated?
As you prepare for the court to tell you how much the spousal support payments will be, you should get an idea of how they’re calculated. The court system considers the following circumstances before making this decision:
- Each spouse’s financial resources and future earning capacity
- Each spouse’s financial needs
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, including childcare, housework, and employment
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse after divorce
- Each spouse’s job skills, education, and work experience
If you’re interested in learning how much you can expect to pay or receive when it comes to financial support after divorce, contact our Martin County law office. Our Florida alimony lawyers will review the details of your case to estimate the amount the paying spouse will be ordered to send the supported spouse.
Can You Modify or Terminate Spousal Support?
The duration of spousal support depends on when the supported spouse is considered financially secure, as well as the type of financial support the court ordered during your case.
So, if the judge ordered bridge-the-gap alimony, the longest this form of financial assistance should last is two years, while rehabilitative alimony could last up to five years. However, these short-term support payments should end earlier if the supported spouse is financially self-sufficient. If you know this is the case for your ex-spouse, you can petition the court to end the payments.
You can also take this legal action if there’s been a significant change in your circumstances, such as if your income has drastically dropped or you lost your job. If this describes your situation, it’s time to get legal guidance from a trusted alimony lawyer who can help you modify or terminate alimony. Call our family law firm today for skilled representation from a divorce attorney.
How Can Martin County Spousal Support Attorneys Assist You?
Our family law attorneys have spent years assisting clients with important issues that include child support, child custody, property division, and spousal support. We understand the need for accurate answers regarding these and other family law matters you might face during divorce, so we’re committed to giving you peace of mind throughout your case.
Whether you’re seeking alimony, have questions about child support and child custody, or need help dividing your marital assets, you can rest assured that we have your best interests in mind. Call 772-248-9250 for a confidential consultation with a compassionate divorce attorney serving clients throughout Palm Beach County, Martin County, and surrounding areas.