In Florida, spousal support is determined on a case-by-case basis. There is no specific calculation to derive what the accurate support number will be. The court will examine many factors, including the length of time of the marriage, income and income potential of the parties, marital standard of living, and each party's earning potential. Our experienced Orlando spousal support attorneys can explain this process in greater detail during a free family law consultation.
Since 1990, the lawyers at the law firm of Richard A. Heller, P.A., have guided individuals through the legal process of divorce and spousal support. Many clients are concerned about having to pay spousal support after the dissolution of marriage. We can carefully examine your financial situation and the history of your marriage to help advise you on the options you might have for support.
Central Florida Alimony Attorneys
There are several different levels of alimony, or spousal support, including:
- Temporary alimony is alimony requiring one spouse to pay the other to maintain their lifestyle and to meet expenses during the course of the divorce proceeding. Once a final judgment is issued the other forms of support may then be in place, if it was awarded.
- Rehabilitative alimony is intended to be paid temporarily while a spouse attempts to become self-sufficient. This time frame can be used to go back to school or start a new career or business.
- Permanent alimony is typically, although not necessarily awarded after a long-term marriage. This alimony is usually paid over the course of many years, and the amount is determined by several factors such as length of time of marriage and earning potential of each spouse.
- Bridge-the-gap (temporary) alimony is intended to help the recipient spouse get his or her feet back on the ground. Typically, bridge-the-gap alimony is intended to help a spouse get vocational training, pay for a new apartment, or buy his or her own car.
- Lump sum alimony is, as the name would suggest, an amount of alimony that is paid in one lump sum rather than over the course of years.
- Durational Alimony is the newest form of alimony and is typically for marriages that are less than long term, but where there is a significant disparity in income.
Alimony can be determined by agreement through mediation, or the court will make a decision. If the court is required to decide on alimony, it will take many factors into consideration — especially when determining permanent alimony. Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer at our office to learn more about how spousal support might be decided in your specific situation.
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