Brandon Alimony Attorney
Helping Clients Settle Their Alimony Matters in Hillsborough County
When couples decide to divorce, one spouse may need financial assistance from the other spouse to adjust to life after a divorce. While alimony is not required in a divorce, a spouse can request such payments. Both parties can either agree on the need for alimony or a judge can decide whether such payments are necessary and for how long.
Discuss your concerns with our team, experienced alimony lawyers in Brandon, Florida, about what you can expect in your specific legal family situation.
Call Barnett | Gill today at (813) 305-0353 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our alimony lawyer in Brandon.
How Is Alimony Calculated in Florida?
Alimony in Florida is based on need and ability: whether the spouse requesting alimony needs financial support and whether the other spouse has the means to provide for it. However, unlike calculating child support payments, Florida law does not apply a default formula to determine alimony.
It is up to the court's discretion to decide:
- Entitlement to alimony
- The amount of alimony
- The duration of alimony
- The type of alimony.
How Does Alimony Work in Florida?
An award of alimony in Florida can be made based on factors other than monetary ones. A spouse in Florida can receive alimony in order to bridge the gap, as a rehabilitative measure, to help them get to a position where they can handle expenses on their own. Alimony does not always have to be paid monthly; it can also be awarded in a lump sum or be a combination of both.
Types of Alimony in Florida
The types of alimony that can be awarded in the state of Florida include:
- Bridge the gap alimony - These payments are awarded for a short period of time to pay for a spouse's short-term needs during the transitional period after a divorce.
- Durational alimony - These payments provide the spouse with economic assistance for a set period of time.
- Rehabilitative alimony - These payments provide job training and other support to help a spouse reestablish self-sufficiency.
- Lump sum - This can be a one-time alimony payment or paid in installments.
How is Alimony Determined?
There are a number of factors that must be considered when determining the need for alimony the amount, and the duration.
When determining alimony, important factors include:
- Duration of a marriage
- The standard of living
- Financial resources of each spouse
- Contribution to a marriage
Can Alimony Be Modified in Florida?
Yes, alimony can be modified in Florida under certain circumstances. It is common for either the paying spouse or the receiving spouse to request an adjustment in their alimony payments when their circumstances have changed substantially. This change must be significant, unanticipated, and permanent enough to warrant altering the existing alimony arrangement.
Common reasons for modification include:
- Change in Income: If the paying spouse experiences a loss of income due to job loss, illness, or retirement, or if the receiving spouse’s financial situation improves (such as getting a higher-paying job), a modification may be requested.
- Remarriage or Cohabitation: The paying spouse may request a reduction or termination of alimony if the receiving spouse remarries or enters into a cohabitation relationship.
- Health Issues: Significant health problems that impact the financial status of either spouse can also be grounds for modifying alimony.
It’s important to note that temporary alimony, such as bridge-the-gap alimony, typically cannot be modified. A court may adjust permanent or durational alimony, however, if a change in circumstances justifies it. An experienced Brandon alimony attorney can help assess whether your case qualifies for an alimony modification in possible outcome.
Contact Our Brandon Alimony Lawyer Today
Each divorce case is different, so talk to our legal team about possible financial awards in your divorce. Our Brandon alimony lawyer can evaluate your circumstances and provide you with a realistic assessment based on Florida's alimony laws. We can also help you if you need to modify your spousal support agreement! Our legal team strives for fair and balanced solutions that meet your short- and long-term needs.
Contact Barnett | Gill today to get started with our Brandon alimony attorney.
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