Altamonte Springs Alimony Attorney
Florida Alimony Lawyer Serving Clients in and Around Altamonte Springs
In many Florida divorces, the spouses have vastly unequal earning power and unequal separate property. When one spouse earns significantly less than the other spouse and needs assistance financially during and after the divorce case, that spouse may be able to seek alimony—also known as spousal maintenance or spousal support under Florida law. If one of the spouses seeks alimony, the court’s first step will be to determine whether or not alimony or maintenance is even appropriate under the specific couple’s circumstances. If the court decides that alimony is appropriate, then it will determine the specific type of alimony, as well as the amount and duration of the award.
Do you have questions about alimony in Florida? One of our experienced Altamonte Springs alimony attorneys can speak with you today about your situation.
Different Types of Alimony in Altamonte Springs
There are four different types of alimony that can be awarded in Altamonte Springs, Florida:
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of alimony award is designed to help one of the spouses as he or she transitions from married life into single life, and to provide financial support for short-term needs. Bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be awarded for more than two years, and it is not modifiable either in terms of the amount awarded or the duration.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This kind of alimony award is specifically aimed at helping one of the spouses to gain what she or he needs in order to become self-sufficient. For example, a rehabilitative alimony award can include money for education, training, or professional licensing. In order for a Florida court to award rehabilitative alimony, the spouse seeking the award must provide a “rehabilitative plan” which explains how the money will be used. This type of alimony award is modifiable if there is a substantial change in circumstances or if the spouse receiving the award does not comply with the terms of the rehabilitative plan.
- Durational alimony: This kind of alimony award is designed for situations in which permanent periodic alimony would not be appropriate given the circumstances of the case, but for which some type of alimony is appropriate. Duration alimony provides a spouse with economic help for a specific duration of time, which cannot exceed the length of the marriage. Durational alimony can be modified upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances.
- Permanent alimony: This type of alimony is only awarded when the marriage has lasted for a very long time or in a shorter marriage with “exceptional circumstances.” Permanent alimony can be modified if the party seeking the modification shows that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred.
Contact an Altamonte Springs Alimony Attorney
Spousal maintenance cases in Florida can be complex and contentious, and it is essential to have an experienced Altamonte Springs alimony lawyer on your side. Whether you need assistance with an initial alimony award or you need help filing a motion for civil contempt in order to enforce an alimony order, one of our dedicated Florida family lawyers is here to help. Contact The Troum Law Firm, P.A. to learn more about the services we provide to clients in divorce cases in Altamonte Springs.
