Experienced Legal Guidance For Individuals Seeking Answers To Spousal Support Or Alimony In Fort Myers

It is one of the most common questions people have when deciding to file for divorce in Florida: Will the court award spousal support? Naturally, alimony is one of the most emotional issues among spouses on both sides.

Temporary Versus Permanent Spousal Support In Florida

Unlike decades past, when Florida courts routinely awarded spousal maintenance to a spouse facing a financial disadvantage following divorce, today spousal support is more likely to be awarded on a temporary basis, to help one spouse finish school or job training, remain in the home until it can be sold or meet a special health care need.

Alternately, permanent spousal maintenance is typically only awarded in Florida in cases of a long-term marriage in which one spouse remained out of the workforce in order to raise the family or serve as primary homemaker.

Courts consider factors like age, health, and contributions to the marriage. Key types include bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent alimony, with temporary support available during the pendency of the divorce proceedings.

Your Alimony Options In A Florida Divorce

Florida law offers several alimony options, including:

• Temporary alimony: Awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability while the case is pending
• Bridge-the-gap alimony: Covers identifiable short-term needs, such as transitioning into full-time employment after divorce
• Durational alimony: Provides financial assistance for a set period depending on the length of the marriage
• Rehabilitative alimony: Helps a spouse become self-sufficient through education, training or career development

The lump sum method (also known as lump sum alimony) is allowed as a single payment for any of these types of alimony. Attorney Ian Mann carefully evaluates your financial situation to determine which form of alimony is most appropriate.

How Long Do You Have To Be Married To Receive Alimony In Florida?

The length of the marriage plays a vital role in determining alimony eligibility and its duration under Florida law. With reforms enacted in 2023, Florida now applies the following structured guidelines:

• Very short-term marriages (less than three years). These are ineligible for alimony.
• Short-term marriages (3 to 10 years): The low-earning spouse can receive alimony for 50% of the marriage’s length.
• Moderate-term marriages (10 to 20 years): The lower-earning spouse can receive alimony for 60% of the marriage’s length.
• Long-term marriages (over 20 years): The lesser-earning spouse can receive alimony for 75% of the marriage’s length.

Under the new reforms, Florida eliminated permanent alimony.

Can Adultery Affect Alimony In Florida?

Yes, although Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you do not have to prove your spouse’s fault in filing for divorce, infidelity can affect alimony. Florida courts may not consider the act of adultery itself, but rather its financial impact.

For instance, if one spouse used marital funds to support an extramarital relationship, such as paying for trips or gifts, a Florida court may view it as a waste of marital assets. If the non-adulterous spouse demonstrates financial harm in such a situation, it can influence the court’s decision on alimony.

The Importance Of Hiring The Right Attorney

No matter which side of the alimony dispute you will be on in your divorce, make sure you have a trusted Florida alimony lawyer who has the skill to protect your interests.

Fort Myers alimony lawyer Ian F. Mann has over 25 years of experience handling spousal support and other family law matters for divorcing couples. Ian knows no two situations are alike. He offers one-on-one guidance, ensuring to look out for your immediate and long-term financial objectives.

Modifications To Alimony In Florida

Many people ask if alimony can ever be increased or reduced in Florida. Under specific conditions, courts will consider a petition to modify the original spousal maintenance order if the financial circumstances of both parties change substantially.

Examples Of Circumstances When Spousal Support Can Be Modified

Florida Statute § 61.14 allows for modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Some common reasons you may request modification include:

• Job loss: If the paying spouse experiences a loss of income
• Retirement: If the paying spouse retires in a good-faith retirement
• Remarriage: Automatically terminated if the receiving spouse remarries
• Improved income for the recipient: If the receiving spouse becomes financially independent
• Health issues and disability: Serious medical conditions affecting either party’s ability to earn income

Mr. Mann is a skilled lawyer who can analyze your financial circumstances and present compelling legal arguments to modify your alimony.

Specific Questions About Spousal Support In Fort Myers? Contact Us Today.

If you have specific questions pertaining to spousal support in your particular circumstance, reach out to family law attorney Ian F. Mann today. Call 239-935-5935 or toll free 866-416-1488 or use the convenient email contact form to set up a consultation.