Alimony/Spousal Support Lawyer in Daytona Beach
Also known as spousal support, alimony is money paid from one spouse to another during or after a divorce. It is an important issue in many divorce cases. Spousal support is intended to provide financial assistance and help maintain a standard of living for spouses who were financially dependent during the marriage. Florida family law judges have a great deal of discretion over alimony.
What Factors Do the Courts Consider in Awarding Alimony?
There are no set rules that Florida family court judges are required to follow in awarding or denying alimony. The courts make determinations on a case-by-case basis. Judges evaluate the economic situations of both parties involved in a divorce. They are required to consider all relevant factors in determining whether alimony should be paid, how much, and for how long. Factors the courts consider include:
- Length of the marriage
- Financial resources of both spouses
- Earning capability of each spouse, including occupation, education, vocational skills, and employability
- Living expenses of each spouse
- Expenses related to education or training for employment preparation
- Standard of living to which each spouse has become accustomed
- Age and health of each spouse
- Contributions to the marriage of each party, including home management, childcare, and career building of the other party
- Responsibility of each spouse for any minor children
- Tax consequences of spousal support for each party
What Are the Different Types of Alimony?
Florida family court judges may award different types of alimony in different situations:
- Suit alimony: Spousal support payments may be ordered by the court while divorce proceedings are in progress to provide temporary financial relief to a spouse.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of alimony helps spouses with legitimate, short-term needs during the transition from being married to being single. Duration of this type of spousal support is limited to no more than two years.
- Rehabilitative alimony: A spouse who stopped working during the marriage to manage the household and care for minor children may need support after divorce for long enough to reestablish a career. To be awarded rehabilitative alimony, you must present the court with a specific rehabilitative career plan.
- Durational alimony: This is economic assistance provided to one spouse by the other for a set time only. The duration of this type of alimony cannot be longer than the duration of the marriage. It is usually awarded when marriages that lasted less than 17 years are dissolved.
- Permanent alimony: Judges typically only award permanent alimony when divorce terminates marriages that have lasted 17 years or more. Permanent spousal support payments are designed to help a spouse who is not financially self-sufficient maintain his or her standard of living.
Do You Need an Attorney for Alimony?
Whether you are being asked to pay spousal support or hope to receive it, you need an experienced family law attorney to represent your interests. There are no set guidelines family court judges must follow in awarding or denying alimony, or in determining the amount or the duration. Courts review each case individually and issue rulings based on the circumstances. The knowledge, skills, and resources of your divorce lawyer can have a significant impact on the court’s decision. Without experienced legal representation, you could end up paying more or receiving less alimony than you should.
Why Choose Us?
Our Daytona Beach family law attorneys at Politis & Matovina are known for experience, commitment, and results. We are a trusted firm with a proven track record, established in 1993. We tailor our representation directly to your specific needs.
If you are dealing with alimony issues, contact our dedicated team at (386) 333-6613 for the legal help you need.