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Tampa Alimony Lawyer

Alimony (also called spousal support) is funds that are given to the other spouse for the purpose of assisting that spouse financially.

There is no formula used to calculate alimony in Florida. Alimony is based on:

  • one spouse’s need for alimony
  • the other spouse’s ability to pay
  • the standard of living the parties enjoyed during the marriage

 

It’s important to note that alimony is not awarded in every case and there are many factors the judge must consider in deciding whether alimony is appropriate.

The alimony laws changed in July of 2010, and it’s important to contact an experienced family law and divorce attorney that keeps abreast on the new laws. There are several types of alimony:

  • Permanent periodic alimony—this type of alimony is paid on a monthly basis until death or remarriage of the receiving spouse. This is used mostly for long-term marriages, which is defined as a marriage of 17 years or longer, but may be used for moderate or short-term marriages when there are exceptional circumstances.
  • Bridge-the-gap alimony—often referred to as transitional alimony, that form of alimony is commonly used in short-term marriages to assist one of the spouses from making the transition from married life to single life. A short-term marriage in Florida is a marriage of less than seven years. This type of alimony cannot be ordered for more than two years.
  • Lump sum alimony—this form of alimony describes a payment from one spouse to the other in a lump sum amount. It may be appropriate for marriages of any length, depending on the circumstances.
  • Durational alimony—this is a new type of alimony in Florida designed for moderate term marriages, which are between 7 and 17 years. Durational alimony is longer than two years of alimony payments, but cannot exceed the length of time the parties were married.
  • Rehabilitative alimony—this form of alimony is used to assist one spouse in obtaining the education needed to increase his/her earning capacity.
  • Temporary alimony—this type of alimony is applicable while the divorce is pending to provide financial assistance to a spouse who is financially dependent on the other spouse.

 

It’s important to note that alimony is completely separate from child custody and child support.

Alimony Attorney in Tampa, Hillsborough

Even in a long-term marriage, alimony is not by any means guaranteed.

Alimony is one of the most complicated issues in Florida divorce cases. There are certain conditions that must be met before a court can even consider whether or not to award alimony.

Mindi Lasley is an extremely experienced Tampa alimony attorney who represents those seeking alimony along with those who believe alimony is unjust in their specific case. We also represent clients who are seeking to have a modification of alimony.

Contact our office to set up a consultation to find out what type and amount of alimony may be applicable to your case, and how to use the law to your advantage.