Family Law Alimony

Our Florida Alimony Attorneys Will Help Secure Your Financial Future

Alimony is court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other while they are separated and/or divorced. Either party may be ordered to pay alimony depending on one party’s need and the other party’s ability to pay. Whether or not alimony is ordered and the amount that is ordered is largely within the court’s discretion. This is one of the many reasons why it is essential to have adept Florida alimony attorneys by your side, guiding you every step of the way through your contested divorce. At Winthrop Law Offices, P.A., we are lawyers that listen to our client’s needs and will fight aggressively to help you secure what you deserve.

What Are the Types of Alimony in Florida?

Pursuant to Florida Statute Ann §61.08, there are several different types of alimony may be awarded during a divorce. The most prominent ones are:

• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Bridge-the-gap alimony is awarded when the court feels one of the parties to the divorce needs extra help transitioning to single life. It is designed to assist with identifiable, short-term needs. Bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be ordered for a period of time to exceed two years. It mainly terminates upon the death of either party or upon remarriage of the person receiving the alimony.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: The purpose of rehabilitative alimony is to assist the receiving party in redeveloping previous skills or credentials or assisting them in obtaining the education, training, or work experience needed to develop appropriate employment skills. Rehabilitative alimony is modifiable, and when it is awarded, there must be a specific plan incorporated in the order granting the alimony.
• Durational Alimony: The purpose of durational alimony is to provide support to a party for a specific period of time when permanent alimony is not deemed appropriate. It typically terminates when the party receiving the alimony remarries or upon the death of either party. While the amount of durational alimony may be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances, the duration is only modified under certain circumstances. Durational alimony cannot be ordered for a period of time that exceeds the length of the marriage.
• Permanent Alimony: Permanent alimony may be awarded in situations typically for a long term marriage (17 years or more). All forms of alimony take into consideration: where one party must meet their needs and life necessities following the divorce; and the other party’s ability to pay . It terminates when either party dies or when the party receiving the alimony remarries. Florida also considers a supportive relationship (from someone else) to be grounds to terminate or modify an alimony award.

Factors Considered By The Court When Awarding Alimony

The court may consider multiple factors when awarding alimony, pursuant to Florida Statute Ann §61.08. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• The duration of the marriage
• The financial resources of each party
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The age, physical condition, and emotional state of each party

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Speak With One Of Our Experienced Florida Alimony Attorneys 

Alimony is a very contentious topic during divorce as it can affect your financial well-being for many years to come. It is imperative to retain counsel that understands Florida’s alimony laws and procedures and will vigorously advocate your position. The Florida alimony attorneys at Winthrop Law Offices, P.A., are dedicated to providing every client with unparalleled representation. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.