Fort Lauderdale Alimony Attorneys
If you are currently going through a divorce, one of the things that might be most concerning is whether or not you will be financially secure once the process is final. We understand your desire to start a new life for yourself, but we know this can be easier said than done when you don’t have the resources to do so. For more than 30 years, we have been helping clients get back on their feet and move confidently toward the future.
We represent those who wish to obtain support from their spouse, as well as those who are being ordered to pay alimony. Are you concerned about where you will be left financially when your divorce becomes final?
Contact us to speak with one of our skilled attorneys. We are here to help ensure your rights are protected.
Spousal Support & Maintenance
With the recent change in Florida law, there are now several types of alimony (spousal support). As your attorney, we will help to determine which type best fits your needs based upon your unique circumstances. The duration of a marriage is a major factor in the determination of alimony. The shorter the marriage, the less likely you are to receive spousal support.
Types of Alimony
The types of alimony under Florida law are:
- Permanent alimony: Permanent alimony is awarded to a spouse who does not have the financial ability to meet basic needs or maintain the standard of living established during the marriage. It is generally awarded after a marriage of long or moderate duration. It is highly unlikely that permanent alimony is granted after a marriage of short duration.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: Bridge-the-gap alimony is awarded for the purpose of transitioning a spouse from a married financial situation to a single financial situation. It is meant to cover specific, identifiable, short-term needs. Bridge-the-gap alimony may not exceed two years and modification is not allowed.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for the purpose of promoting self-sufficiency in the receiving spouse. It may entail payment for educational advancement, strengthening previous skills, redeveloping credentials, or training. The goal is to develop adequate employment skills or credentials. The order must include a specific plan for rehabilitation that the receiving party must follow. Failure to comply can result in termination of the support. Rehabilitative alimony may be modified following a substantial change in circumstances.
- Durational alimony: Durational alimony is awarded when permanent alimony is not appropriate. It provides the receiving spouse with financial assistance for a set amount of time. Durational alimony is common after moderate or short duration marriages. The period of time for the alimony cannot exceed the duration of the marriage. Though the paying party may not modify the length of the award, they can petition the court for a modification of the award amount.
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Establishing an Alimony Agreement
When determining alimony, the courts base their decision on a number of factors. These criteria include the following:
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party
- The financial resources of each party, including the non-marital and marital assets and liabilities distributed to each
- The earning capacities of each party, including education levels, vocational skills, and employability at the time of divorce
- The time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to permit them to find appropriate employment
- The contribution of each party to the marriage, including services rendered in homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party
- The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common
- The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award
- All sources of income available to either party, including income available to either party through investments of any asset held by that party;
- Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys
We understand your desire to be financially secure.
Contact us online or call us at (954) 874-8870 to speak with one of our attorneys about your case.
Client Testimonials
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“I could not be more pleased with the result and with the law firm. They are a credit to the legal profession.”
- Robert B. -
“Alan is one of the most respected family law attorneys in South Florida. He handled a case for a close personal friend and did such a great job that I wanted to let the world know what a great man he is.”
- Joe H. -
“We could not have asked for better results. If you want to WIN hire Stok, Folk + Kon.”
- Former Client -
“I have known Alan for several years and always found his office staff to be professional and responsive. Alan is highly credentialed and is one of just a few attorneys that is Florida Board Certified in Marital & Family Law in South Florida.”
- Scott S. -
“Extremely professional firm. Amazing results 3 times in a row now. I would undoubtedly recommend.”
- Ryan P.
