Alimony Lawyers in Naples, FL

When going through a divorce, one of the most important legal issues to deal with is the duration and amount of alimony. Whether seeking alimony or defending against it, it is important to seek the help of qualified attorneys who can help you build a strategic course of action that aligns with your needs.

If you have concerns about fair and reasonable payments, look to our Naples alimony attorneys at Family First Legal Group. Our experienced team of attorneys and legal assistants will work together with you to pursue the outcome that you need.

How Florida Courts Decide Alimony Payments

Alimony is not granted to everyone who seeks it. The courts consider several factors when deciding to award alimony.

The factors the courts consider include:

• The duration of the marriage
• The age of each spouse
• The physical and emotional condition of each spouse
• The couple’s available sources of income
• The need for the spouse seeking alimony to attend additional education or career training to obtain appropriate employment
• The contributions that each spouse has made to the marriage
• The marital standard of living
• The tax consequences of the alimony reward
• The responsibilities each spouse will have for any minor children of the marriage

The particular circumstances of each couple are also used to determine which type of alimony will be granted. Any type of alimony that is granted is for the purpose of helping one spouse maintain the standard of living established during the marriage, who without the help of the other spouse would be unable to do so.

How Long Do Alimony Payments Last?

Florida alimony law provides for the following types:

• Temporary - This alimony is awarded only during the divorce process, and finishes when the divorce is finalized.
• Bridge-the-gap - These payments are awarded for a short duration to assist one spouse as they transition from the marriage. This alimony is meant to cover short-term needs, is non-modifiable, and cannot exceed two years in duration.
• Rehabilitative - This financial support, much like bridge-the-gap, assists the payee spouse as they regain their ability to support themselves. However, the amount and duration is typically more involved than bridge-the-gap alimony. The spouse seeking these payments need to provide the details of their self-support retraining plan, including cost, duration, and how the plan will lead to the final goal of regaining self-sufficiency.
• Durational - This form of spousal support provides the payee with financial assistance for a period of time post divorce. The amount of alimony is highly modifiable with a proven change in circumstances for either spouse. However, the length of time the payer must pay alimony cannot be modified except in extreme circumstances.
• Permanent - This form of alimony provides support until either the remarriage of the payee or the death of either ex spouse. These payments are always modifiable with a proven and significant change in circumstances for either party.
• Lump-Sum - In a lump-sum situation, the alimony is paid as a specific amount at one time or in installments. This type is ordered only under specific circumstances.

A judge will determine which type to grant to a spouse based on what he or she determines is fair and reasonable under the facts of the case.

Can Alimony be Increased or Decreased?

If your divorce situation involves long term or permanent alimony, you may be asking if it's possible to adjust your payment amount as you and your ex-spouse's lives change. Different factors can change your payments, mainly if the spouse receiving the payments becomes involved in a supportive relationship as determined by the courts.