Alimony/Spousal Support

Charlotte County Alimony Attorney

Assisting Clients With Spousal Support Matters in Florida

Alimony, also called spousal support, is not mandatory or automatic when it comes to divorce proceedings. Not all marriages require spousal support to be paid, however, if one of the spouses requests it, it does need to be considered in the settlement agreement. The court may find it necessary to award alimony, or spousal support, in many cases.

Speak with a dedicated Charlotte County alimony lawyer today by calling (941) 257-4743 or filling out our online form for a free consultation!

What is Alimony?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a legal obligation for one spouse to provide financial support to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that both parties can maintain a comparable standard of living to what they experienced during the marriage.

What are the Types of Alimony in Florida?

In Florida, there are several types of alimony, each designed to address different circumstances:

  • Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This type of alimony is intended to assist a lower-earning spouse in transitioning from married life to single life. It is typically awarded for a short duration, up to two years, and is meant to cover short-term needs.
  • Rehabilitative Alimony: This form of alimony supports a spouse who is working toward becoming self-sufficient through education or training. It is designed to assist them in obtaining the skills necessary to gain employment and is limited in duration.
  • Durational Alimony: Awarded for a specific period, durational alimony is appropriate for marriages of moderate length. This type of alimony provides financial support for a set duration following the divorce.

How is Alimony/Spousal Support Determined?

As with child support, the court will consider two factors: one party's need and the other's ability to pay. Both of these factors must be proven in court by the requesting spouse. Alimony may be awarded to either a husband or wife and, depending on the length of the marriage and other factors, the alimony may be permanent or for only a short duration.

Key factors include:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Financial resources of both spouses'
  • The lifestyle established during the marriage
  • The age and physical condition of both spouses
  • Non-financial contributions, such as homemaking and child-rearing, are also taken into account.
  • Future earning potential

Because this is an issue that requires skill and experience in negotiating, it is best to have a qualified Florida alimony attorney to assist you with this aspect of your divorce. If it is possible to obtain agreement out of court on a spousal support figure, it gives you more leeway in having some control of the outcome. If the family law court makes the determination of an award amount, their decision will be based on the limited information they may obtain filed with the divorce papers.

It is Possible to Modify an Alimony Order in Florida?

In certain circumstances, alimony arrangements can be modified after the divorce is finalized. Modifications may be warranted due to:

  • Change in Financial Circumstances: If either party experiences a significant change in income or financial stability, they may seek to modify the alimony agreement.
  • Remarriage: If the recipient of alimony remarries, the paying spouse may petition the court to terminate the alimony payments.
  • Change in Needs: Changes in the recipient’s needs, such as health issues or changes in living expenses, may also justify a modification.

To modify an existing alimony agreement, the requesting spouse must file a petition with the court and demonstrate the need for the modification based on changed circumstances.

You may also be in a situation where you have already received a divorce and are due spousal support, however your spouse has failed to make the payments or has moved away and you have no way of locating them. Our Charlotte County alimony lawyers can assist you in the collection of these overdue support payments. There are many legal methods to locate and collect the support due you.

The Alimony Process in Charlotte County

The process of seeking alimony typically involves the following steps:

  • Filing a Petition: One spouse files a petition for alimony as part of the divorce proceedings. This document outlines the request for support and the basis for the claim.
  • Response from the Other Spouse: The other spouse will have the opportunity to respond to the petition, either agreeing to the terms or contesting the request.
  • Discovery Phase: Both parties will exchange financial information and documents during the discovery phase. This process allows each side to understand the other's financial situation.
  • Negotiation and Settlement: Many alimony cases are resolved through negotiation. Both parties may reach an agreement regarding the amount and duration of alimony, potentially avoiding a court hearing.
  • Court Hearing: If negotiations fail, a court hearing will be scheduled. Both parties will present evidence and arguments regarding alimony. The court will consider the relevant factors and make a decision.
  • Court Order: The court will issue an order specifying the amount and duration of alimony, which will be legally binding.

Contact Our Spousal Support Lawyer in Charlotte County Today

Spousal support is an area that requires skill and talent to negotiate successfully. Our law firm will aggressively pursue a fair support figure for you based on the facts at hand. The Bogle Law has been serving citizens of Charlotte County, South Sarasota County, and Arcadia regarding all divorce matters for some time. Give our office a call for assistance with your spousal support issue.

Contact Florida divorce lawyer Tauna R. Bogle, P.A. for help with spousal support. Call now - (941) 257-4743

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Bogle Law Firm:

  • An Entire Team of Professionals Working to Protect Your Future
  • Innovative, Ground-Breaking Defense Strategies
  • Personalized Support and Attention to Detail
  • Trial-Tested Experience and Legal Insight

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