Orlando Alimony Lawyer
When parties decide to divorce, they can’t just walk away from the marriage – first, they must make determinations about everything from property division to child support and more. One issue that divorcing parties will need to grapple with is that of alimony. At the office of the O’Mara Law Group, our legal team can help you to understand Orlando’s alimony laws, the types of alimony, when alimony might be part of your divorce settlement, and when an award for alimony can be modified. Call our Orlando alimony lawyers directly today for the legal counsel you need.
When Is Alimony Part of a Divorce Settlement?
As found in Florida Statutes Section 61.08 – Alimony, the court will make a determination about an alimony order based on the actual need for spousal maintenance, as well as whether or not either party has the ability to pay maintenance. If the court determines that an award of alimony is appropriate, the next piece will be deciding which type of alimony–and how much alimony–is appropriate. To do this, the court will consider the following factors:
- The established standard of living over the course of the marriage;
- For how long the parties have been married;
- The age and physical and emotional health of each party;
- The assets and resources of each party;
- Each party’s earning capacity, skills, and education;
- Each party’s contribution to the marriage;
- Each party’s responsibilities to shared minor children;
- All income available to each party; and
- Any other factors relevant in order to make an equitable and just decision.
Types of Alimony in Florida
The state of Florida recognizes four types of alimony:
- Bridge-the-gap alimony, which is designed to help a party smoothly make the transition from being married to being single.
- Rehabilitative alimony, which is used to support one party in developing skills or credentials or acquiring education or training to secure employment.
- Durational alimony, which will provide economic assistance to the receiving party for a set amount of time, and is used when an award of permanent alimony would be inappropriate.
- Permanent alimony, which is typically awarded in marriages that lasted for many, many years and is appropriate for providing for the needs of “life as they were established during the marriage.”
Modifying an Alimony Award
Unless otherwise specified, a spousal support order will be terminated upon the death of either party or when the receiving party remarries.
An alimony award can be modified without either of these events occurring, though, if a significant change in circumstances takes place.
Call an Experienced Orlando Alimony Lawyer Today
If you have questions about alimony in Florida, working with a skilled Orlando alimony attorney is a must. Whether you are seeking alimony or trying to fight back against a request for spousal maintenance, our law firm is here to advocate for your best interests and protect you throughout the process. Call our Orlando alimony lawyers today for help with your case and for answers specific to your situation.
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