Alimony

DEDICATED ALIMONY ATTORNEYS SERVING TAMPA FLORIDA RESIDENTS

Going through a divorce is difficult, especially if in addition to emotional concerns, you are facing economic worries, too. For those who are financially dependent on their spouse, divorce can raise questions about how one will continue to afford their costs of living, ranging from making a mortgage payment to purchasing food to indulging in favorite activities.

At the Law Offices of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., our Tampa alimony attorney understands exactly what you are going through, and believes that a solution can be found in a court order for spousal support.

WHAT IS ALIMONY?

Alimony, commonly referred to as spousal support, is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to the other after a separation or divorce. Payments are ordered when the court finds that one spouse is economically dependent on the other, and cannot provide for their own costs and standard of living (established during the course of the marriage) as such. Alimony is common in divorce, but it is not certain; not all divorces end with an alimony order.

If any of these family law matters are currently affecting you, we can help.

Alimony on Envelope — Tampa, FL — Mark G Rodriguez PA

TYPES OF ALIMONY

There are four types of alimony in Florida, as found in 2016 Florida Statutes section 61.08 – Alimony:

Bridge-the-gap

This type of alimony is a short-term alimony payment that is intended to “bridge-the-gap” between marriage and being single, and is most commonly found in short-term marriages, and rarely lasts for more than two years, if that long at all.

Rehabilitative

Similar to bridge-the-gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony lasts for a short period of time and is designed to allow the receiving spouse to “rehabilitate,” or adjust, themselves financially.

Durational

Durational alimony is awarded when permanent alimony is not. The biggest rule regarding durational alimony is that the period of alimony may not exceed the length of the marriage.

Permanent

This type of alimony is permanent, and lasts until the receiving spouse remarries, or either of the spouses die.

In addition to types of alimony, there are also different ways in which alimony may be paid: periodic payments or lump sums. In some cases, both a lump sum paying and periodic payments may be required by the court.

FACTORS CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER TO AWARD ALIMONY

Again, not all divorces are concluded with an award for alimony. Per the same section of Florida code cited above, the court may award alimony when one party in the marriage has an established need for alimony, and the other party has the established ability to make such payments. Once both have been determined, the court will consider the following in order to make a decision about the type, duration, and amount of alimony:

  • Duration of the marriage;
  • Spouses’ standard of living;
  • Physical conditions and ages of spouses;
  • Earning capacities and potential earning capacities, including education level and professional training, of each;
  • Resources and assets;
  • Each party’s contribution to the marriage;
  • The caregiving of any children;
  • Tax implications; and
  • All other relevant factors

TAMPA ALIMONY ATTORNEY HERE TO WORK FOR YOU

Experienced Tampa alimony attorney Mark Rodriguez is here to help you understand Florida’s alimony laws and reach an alimony settlement that is fair and in your best interests. If you are going through a divorce, learn more about alimony in Tampa today by calling our law offices at 813-227-9642, or writing us a message online.

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