Wesley Chapel Alimony Lawyer
Alimony should be taken very seriously during a divorce in Florida. While there has been proposed legislation to eliminate permanent alimony and reduce the duration, the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported that the most recent attempt failed in the most recent legislative session. For a party who has to pay, you could be responsible for alimony payments for a long time so you should do everything possible to ensure it is a payment you feel you can comfortably manage to pay. Meanwhile, if you were the party who supported the marriage in other ways besides financially, you may be at a disadvantage after a divorce and require alimony payments to create a successful future. Regardless of which party you are, at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane, our Wesley Chapel alimony lawyers can help advocate for a solution that is in your best interests.
Types of Alimony in Florida
- Temporary—Used during divorce proceedings to help the lower earning spouse maintain their standard of living.
- Bridge the gap—This type of alimony can only last up to two years and is designed to help with the transition from married to single. It cannot be modified.
- Durational—Used to help a spouse who is unable to meet their financial needs, even after other alimony has been awarded.
- Rehabilitative—With this type of alimony, the party receiving the payments has to show proof of a plan to reach self-sufficiency along with the cost of such training.
- Permanent—Used in longer term marriages, paid until the death of either spouse, or the remarriage of the receiving spouse.
Factors Used to Determine Alimony Payments
According to Florida Statute 61.08, the court must first determine whether one party is actually in need of alimony payments and whether it is reasonable to expect the other party has the ability to pay alimony or maintenance. If an award of alimony is granted, the following factors are used to determine the amount:
- What the couple’s established standard of living was during the marriage;
- How long the marriage lasted;
- The marital and nonmarital assets and liabilities of each party;
- The age of each party, along with their physical and emotional health;
- The education, skills, and earning capacity of each party and if applicable, the time necessary for either party to obtain training or education necessary to find adequate employment;
- Who has custody of any minor children;
- How each party contributed to the marriage in terms of child care, homemaking, education, and career building of the other party;
- The tax consequences of alimony payments;
- All available sources of income for either party;
- Any other factors that may be necessary to consider in order to make an equitable and just decision about alimony payments.
Contact a Wesley Chapel Alimony Lawyer Today
Alimony is a contentious issue in many divorces. It is important for both parties to feel like they received a fair deal—though usually both have a different idea of what is “fair.” In order to protect your best interests, it is vital that you work with an experienced Wesley Chapel alimony attorney here at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane. Call today at 352-567-0055.
