Tampa Alimony Lawyer
When it comes to alimony, Florida is lenient. It offers various forms of alimony to help spouses who may not have earned much money in a marriage due to child rearing or a lack of education. Alimony can help a person get back on their feet and remain financially stable after a divorce.
The intent of alimony is to ensure nobody is made homeless due to a divorce. In addition, either spouse should have to be financially supported by food stamps, welfare, or other government programs.
Alimony is determined by the court. There is no mathematical formula involved, but the two main factors are the recipient’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay. The court makes a decision in regards to entitlement, amount, type, and duration.
The length of the alimony is based on the duration of the marriage. A short-term marriage is considered to be one that lasts under seven years. A long-term marriage is one that lasts for at least 17 years. A moderate one lasts 7-17 years.
Alimony laws can be complicated. Have questions or concerns? An experienced Tampa alimony lawyer from Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can help you understand the process.
Types of Alimony in Florida
Florida offers six types of alimony:
- Bridge-the-gap. Bridge-the-gap alimony is awarded for a short duration. It cannot exceed two years. It is meant to assist the spouse with the transition from married life to single life. It is designed to help with short-term needs, such as finding a new home after a divorce. Bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified.
- Rehabilitative alimony is intended to provide assistance to a spouse so that they can be trained or educated to support themselves. The spouse must come up with a training plan that encompasses many details.
- Durational alimony is in place to provide a spouse with economic assistance for a set period of time that cannot exceed the length of the marriage. While the payment can be modified under certain circumstances, the length of time cannot.
- Permanent alimony is in place until the recipient remarries or either party dies. It can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances.
- Nominal alimony may be awarded when a person qualifies for alimony but there are insufficient resources available. The award can be modified at a later date to meet the needs of the recipient spouse.
- Lump sum. Instead of monthly payments, lump sum alimony is paid in one or several installments. The court will award this type of alimony when permanent alimony is justified but the paying spouse is in poor health.
Contact Us Today
Alimony is often a contentious issue. People don’t typically like to pay it, but it is awarded so that one spouse does not suffer financially from a divorce. Divorcing and worried about your finances? Contact The Faulkner Law Group, PLLC. We’ll assess your case and help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities. Fill out the online form or call (813) 544-3919 to schedule a consultation with a Tampa alimony lawyer.
