Alimony & Spousal Support
Alimony, also known as “spousal support,” is designed to address the imbalance when one spouse relied on the other’s income during the marriage by providing court-ordered financial assistance when appropriate.
Whether support is requested during divorce proceedings or revisited years later, the outcome can affect long-term stability for both parties. Working with a Florida alimony attorney at Scully | Torres can help ensure that support decisions align with Florida laws and the realities of your financial circumstances.
Types of Alimony & Spousal Support in Florida
Florida recognizes several forms of alimony and spousal support, each serving a different purpose.
- Bridge-the-gap: This short-term support helps a spouse adjust from married life to single life.
- Rehabilitative: Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse who needs time and resources to become self-sufficient.
- Durational: Durational alimony provides financial assistance for a set period, often tied to the length of the marriage.
- Lump-sum: Lump-sum alimony is awarded as a fixed amount, payable either in a single payment or in structured installments.
Before Florida revamped its alimony laws in July 2023, permanent alimony could be awarded in some cases, but not anymore.
How Alimony & Spousal Support Works in Florida
Florida law authorizes courts to award alimony & spousal support based on a careful review of both spouses’ financial situations.
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income, assets, and earning capacity
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- Age, physical health, and emotional condition of each spouse
The court must first determine whether one spouse has a genuine financial need and whether the other spouse can pay. Only then does the court decide the type, amount, and duration of alimony or spousal support.
Alimony & Spousal Support in Military Marriages
Military divorces involve additional layers of federal and state law. While Florida courts decide alimony and spousal support, military pay structures, housing allowances, and retirement benefits often factor into support determinations. An alimony lawyer can help ensure that both Florida statutes and applicable federal rules are properly considered.
Enforcement of Alimony & Spousal Support
When a spouse fails to comply with a court-ordered support obligation, Florida courts offer enforcement options. These may include wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, interception of tax refunds, or liens against property.
Enforcement actions require adherence to procedural rules, and courts may impose penalties for willful nonpayment. A spousal support attorney can assist with pursuing enforcement while protecting your rights throughout the process.
Post-Judgment Modifications of Alimony & Spousal Support
Life circumstances rarely remain static. Florida law allows post-judgment modification of alimony and spousal support when there is a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances.
Common grounds include:
- Significant income changes
- Job loss or retirement
- Serious illness or disability
- Changes in the recipient’s financial need
Modification is not automatic. The requesting party must present clear evidence supporting the change.
Contact Us Today For The Help You Deserve
Whether you are seeking support, responding to a request, or addressing modification or enforcement, informed legal guidance from our spousal support lawyer in Florida can make a difference. Contact Scully | Torres for a consultation about your alimony & spousal support.
