The Trenton, Florida spousal support lawyers at the Shochet Law Group are here to help you if you are filing for divorce and have questions about spousal support or alimony. In short, alimony is either a set of payments or a lump sum payment one partner makes to another to support him or her after a divorce. In a marriage, sometimes one partner earns significantly more money than the other, or one partner stays home to raise the children, or one partner made significant career sacrifices to support the ambitions and career of the other. If this describes your situation, you may qualify to receive alimony payments. If you aren’t sure about whether you deserve to receive alimony or whether you may need to pay alimony in your divorce settlement, the Trenton, Florida alimony lawyers at the Shochet Law Group are here to help you.
Types of Alimony in Florida
In Florida, there are different types of alimony that can be awarded. One type of alimony is only paid during the divorce proceedings and ends after the divorce is finalized. This kind of alimony can help you get your life in order and prepare you for life separate from your partner. Short-term alimony might also be ordered if you need financial support while you’re waiting for sell the family home, or while you are looking for full-time work after a divorce.
One of the more common types of alimony is rehabilitative alimony. This is alimony that is paid to help you gain education, training, and other skills to get back to work or support yourself. With this type of alimony, your spouse may pay a lump sum cost of education and training, or pay you a fixed amount over a period of time. Generally, with this type of alimony, you’ll need to have a plan in place, like plans to attend school or vocational training, and include these plans as part of your divorce agreement.
Another type of alimony continues for a period of time after your divorce, but ends after a fixed date. This is typically awarded in a situation where the court decides alimony is appropriate, but doesn’t approve permanent alimony. Permanent alimony awards are highly rare, and usually are only awarded when one partner is very old, disabled, or is facing unique circumstances that will require ongoing lifetime support.
The kind of alimony you might be qualified to receive will depend on the length of your marriage, the nature of your marriage, the differences in income between you and your partner, and the sacrifices you made to your career and training during your marriage. Alimony can be one of the most challenging aspects of negotiating a divorce settlement. The Trenton, Florida alimony lawyers at the Shochet Law Group are here to help you navigate the divorce settlement process and reach an alimony settlement that is fair and appropriate given your situation.
How is Alimony Determined in Florida?
The courts will look at several factors when determining whether alimony should be awarded. Factors like how long you were married, your standard of living when you were married, and your health, age, and emotional health will play a role in determining what kind of alimony will be awarded and how long alimony will last. The courts will also look at each partner’s financial resources, earning capacity, skills, education, and training. Additionally, the courts will look closely at each partner’s contribution to the marriage. For example, did you stay at home to raise children? Did you support your partner financially through school? The courts will also look at whether one spouse might need financial support to care for minor children, and any other factors that can determine an alimony award. A situation where a partner gambled away significant savings or spent money on an affair could potentially play a role.
If you believe you might be entitled to receive alimony, reach out to the Trenton, Florida spousal support lawyers at the Shochet Law Group today. Our alimony attorneys in Trenton, Florida are here to help you navigate the divorce settlement process. We can help you build a strong case to support your interests and rights.
Contact a Spousal Support Lawyer in Trenton, Florida
The Shochet Law Group is a spousal support law firm in Trenton, Florida that can assist you with your case. If you believe you might have to pay alimony but don’t want to be on the hook for more than you deserve, or if you believe you deserve alimony and want to receive the fair settlement you deserve for the commitment and sacrifices you made, the Shochet Law Group may be able to help you. Our alimony lawyers in Trenton, Florida are here to help you every step of the way.