Spousal Maintenance is also known As Alimony or Spousal Support

Florida has a few options for spousal maintenance you can pursue.
It can be tricky to navigate on your own, so turning to an experienced Florida spousal maintenance lawyer could save you money in the long run.

941 Law Help is ready to hear your case and pursue a fair amount for alimony payments. Attorney Michael Fayard will listen to your story and work to find a fitting end to your divorce.

Types of Alimony in Florida

In Florida, there are a few types of alimony available, although you may not qualify for all of them. Each has its application, and a Florida family lawyer may help you decide which to pursue. Each case is unique, however, and many factors specific to your case will determine whether alimony is available.

Moreover, the court will also be required to first make a factual determination if there is a need for alimony, if there is an ability to pay, then the type of alimony, followed by the amount of the award.

Rehabilitative Alimony

This limited-time alimony is used to assist in the “redevelopment” of previous skills or credentials or getting education, training, or work experience to create financial independence for the spouse receiving the payments. It’s one of the most common types of alimony rewarded in Florida when dealing with a stay-at-home parent. Payments can be made monthly or semi-monthly, and sometimes directly to the education provider.

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

This alimony helps a party to transition from married to single life, generally paid in a lump sum or over a short time. It’s often used to buy a car or find a new place to live. Florida is one of the few states to offer this compensation method.

Permanent Alimony

This monthly or semi-monthly payment continues until the ex-partner receiving payments dies or remarries. This method is generally sporadic but usually applies when the payee cannot provide for themselves or is caring for a child with special needs.

Durational Alimony

This alimony is paid for a certain period in monthly or semi-monthly payments. It operates similarly to rehabilitative alimony but is usually for applicants that don’t qualify for permanent alimony.

Lump-Sum Alimony

This is a kind of alimony paid all at once. The payment is either all in money or through a property transfer.

Choosing The Right Alimony Lawyer For Your Divorce

When it comes to spousal maintenance matters, Michael Fayard’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to achieving fair outcomes make him the go-to attorney in Sarasota, FL. Schedule a free consultation by calling 941-214-2841 or filling out the convenient online form. Let Michael guide you through the complexities of spousal maintenance, ensuring your rights are protected and your future is secure.

 

How is Alimony Calculated in Florida?

In Florida, either spouse can request alimony if they can prove they need assistance. If they can’t agree to a type of alimony or how much to pay, the court decides for them. If one of the spouses qualifies for alimony, the judge will analyze factors like:

  • The standard of living during the marriage
  • The length of the marriage
  • Both parties’ age, physical, and mental health
  • All financial resources or income, including nonmarital and marital property, assets, or liabilities
  • Both spouses’ earning capability, education level, vocational skills, employability, or the time and resources needed for a spouse to gain sufficient education or training for self-sustainability
  • Child custody or parental responsibilities
  • Any other information the court deems relevant towards determining a reward

Each case is unique, so the court does not follow a formula to establish alimony. For instance, one spouse may have had an extramarital affair, and the judge will consider if that spouse spent money on the affair partner in alimony calculations.

Is Alimony Set in Stone?

According to Florida law, either spouse can request to modify alimony payments unless they both agree to leave it alone in the final divorce agreement. Bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified, and with durational support, only the amount of money can be changed, not the length of the support.

With a rehabilitative plan, the supported spouse must obey the agreement to work towards independence. If they do not, the payee can ask to change the agreement or move for outright termination.

To make a case for modifying alimony, you’ll need to prove a significant change of circumstances, like a pay cut or if your spouse received a pay bump.

Get Help with Your Alimony from a Sarasota, FL Lawyer

Alimony can be a tricky process, especially after the daunting process of a divorce. You want to ensure you don’t make any missteps that may result in an unfair outcome. Relying on a lawyer experienced in the Florida legal system can help you avoid any mistakes regarding your alimony payments.

941 Law Help and attorney Michael Fayard are prepared to help you get the best outcome in your alimony argument. Even if you ended your marriage on amicable terms, you could be faced with an inequitable expectation to fund your ex’s lifestyle, or you may feel your ex-spouse is trying to skip out on their fiduciary duties.

Michael is ready to take your case and listen to your side of the story. He’s experienced in Florida family law and knows how to get you the most desirable outcome. Call (941) 241-2453 today or use the online contact form.

 
Great job. Definitely will use them again if the need arises." - Bill Winkler