FAQs About Spousal Support in Florida

 There are many issues a couple will have to resolve during a divorce. One of the most contentious of these is spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony. Spousal support refers to payments made by one spouse to the other during and after divorce. While this concept sounds straightforward enough, it can become complicated and confusing. Our spousal support lawyer in Orlando answers the most frequently asked questions we hear.

Am I Entitled to Receive Alimony?

 Not everyone has the right to receive alimony. To receive alimony, you must establish two main facts. The first is that you have maximized your earning potential but still require financial support from your former spouse. The second fact you must prove is that your spouse has the financial means to support you while also providing for their own basic needs.

Can Men Pursue Spousal Support? 

Historically, it was usually women who were awarded spousal support during a divorce. This was due to the fact that at one time, women generally stayed home to raise the children while men went to work to earn the household’s income. As such, women were often at a financial disadvantage during divorce. Today, this is clearly no longer the case and women often earn a higher income than their spouse. As such, men who earned a lower income than their spouse during the marriage can pursue spousal support during divorce.

How Long is Alimony Paid?

 There are many different types of alimony, and each has a different duration. For example, bridge-the-gap spousal support is paid for no longer than two years and is intended to help a lower-earning spouse smoothly transition from married to single life. In 2023 there were major changes to the alimony law in Florida. These changes essentially struck permanent alimony from the law, meaning it is no longer awarded. There are still many factors that will determine how long you can receive alimony and one of the main ones of these is the length of your marriage.

When are Spousal Support Payments Terminated?

 If your spouse remarries, spousal support is automatically terminated and you do not have to obtain court approval to stop making payments. If there is any other reason for the need to stop paying spousal support, you will need to petition the court and ask the judge to modify or terminate the original spousal support order. For a judge to grant your request, you must show that there has been a significant change of circumstances that affects your ability to pay spousal support.

Our Spousal Support Attorney in Orlando Can Answer Your Questions 

Whether you are going through a divorce or have been receiving or paying alimony for years, you may have many questions. At Anderson & Ferrin, P.A., our Orlando spousal support attorney will answer them so you can make informed decisions and obtain the best outcome in your case. Call us today at 407-412-7041 or connect with us online to request a free review of your case and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html