ALIMONY & SPOUSAL SUPPORT ATTORNEYS

According to the Internal Revenue Service, former spouses pay around $9 billion in alimony each year. When a marriage breaks down, there is usually a real human cost associated with the divorce. Issues of alimony and spousal support often arise during the divorce or legal separation process. If you are considering a divorce or currently amidst one and want to understand your options regarding spousal support arrangements, consulting with an experienced family law attorney is crucial for proper guidance.

Our team at Fournier Law have dedicated their careers to providing outstanding legal services and comprehensive guidance in matters of spousal support and divorce. Whether you want to establish alimony arrangements or modify an existing spousal support agreement, our experienced Florida spousal support attorneys will offer you the detailed legal counsel you need. We can help make the transition as seamless as possible for all the parties involved.

Fournier Law proudly serves clients in Tallahassee, Florida, Big Bend, and counties throughout Florida.

OVERVIEW OF ALIMONY IN FLORIDA

During the dissolution of a marriage, the court may order one spouse to pay a certain amount of money as support to the other spouse each month. This is known as alimony or spousal support. Alimony can be described as a court-ordered provision by a spouse to their estranged spouse during or after a divorce.

Types of Alimony

There are several types of alimony available in Florida, including:

WHO IS ENTITLED TO SPOUSAL SUPPORT?

The aim of spousal support is to limit any unfair economic effects of a divorce or legal separation by providing a continuous income to a spouse earning lower or no wages. Usually, the court orders the higher-wage-earning spouse to pay support to the lower-wage-earning spouse. Thus, helping him or her maintain the marital lifestyle for some period of time after the divorce, or while transitioning from divorce to single.

WHAT DETERMINES TYPE, AMOUNT, AND DURATION OF ALIMONY?

The following factors will be used to determine the type, amount, and duration of spousal support:

• The duration of the marriage.
• The standard of living that was established during the marriage.
• The age, mental, and physical condition of the spouses.
• The financial resources of each spouse, including marital and non-marital assets and liability.
• The couple’s earning capacity, vocational skills, and educational levels.
• The current employment status of each spouse.
• The time required for the requesting spouse to acquire additional job training, education, or vocational skill to enable them to secure proper employment or become self-supporting.

CHANGES TO CURRENT ALIMONY AGREEMENT

Under Florida laws, either spouse can request a modification of the existing alimony agreement if there is a significant “change in circumstances” since the initial alimony order was made. However, bridge-the-gap alimony is non-modifiable. Some reasons that may prompt you to change a current alimony agreement include:

• The paying spouse has a significant drop in income.
• The receiving spouse no longer needs it.
• New marriage.
• The receiving spouse is not making any reasonable effort to become self-supporting.

HOW LEGAL COUNSEL CAN HELP

Divorce and spousal support cases are usually complex and fiercely contested. If you are preparing for a divorce, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable alimony attorney immediately to get proper legal guidance on spousal support arrangements.

At Fournier Law, we understand that the spousal support process is emotional, and every case is unique. As experienced Florida spousal support attorneys, we will provide you with the detailed guidance and advocacy you need to set up or modify alimony arrangements. Our team will help you decide the best course of action and help you navigate through the process.