Are You Entitled to Alimony in Florida?

At the Law Office of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., we help you get the alimony you are entitled to in Tampa divorce proceedings.

The end of a marriage can be devastating both emotionally and financially. After relying on your spouse’s income for years to make ends meet, you may be wondering how you will support yourself and maintain your current lifestyle once you get a divorce in Tampa. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the situation, you may be entitled to alimony payments in Florida.

Your Rights to Alimony in Florida

As an experienced Tampa divorce attorney, one of our top concerns in representing clients is ensuring they are provided for in their divorce settlement. In addition to helping you get your fair share of any marital property and assets, including real estate, cars, furnishings, money in bank accounts, and retirement benefits, this may also include alimony payments.

Under the Florida Statutes, you may be entitled to alimony payments during your divorce proceedings and for a period of time afterward. Factors the judge in your case will consider in determining whether alimony is warranted include:

• The total length of time you were married;
• The amount of income you and your spouse earn;
• Your overall contributions to the marriage;
• Whether you sacrificed your own career or education to support your spouse or to care for children from the marriage;
• Any pre-marital assets either party possesses;
• Any pre or post-marital agreements that were put in place.

Even if you signed a pre or post-marital agreement waiving your rights to alimony, you may still be entitled to payments if your spouse failed to disclose all assets or you entered the agreement under duress. Be aware that if your spouse engaged in any type of marital misconduct, such as addictions or having affairs, this could increase your chances of being awarded alimony. However, if you were the one who engaged in marital misconduct, it could jeopardize your rights to these payments.

Common Types of Alimony in Florida

In determining alimony payments, the judge will consider the circumstances surrounding your marriage and financial declarations you and your spouse filed with the Hillsborough County Family Court. While the exact amount will depend on your particular situation, common types of alimony in Florida include:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony, which can help you make the adjustment to living on one income;
• Durational alimony, which is awarded for a specific period of time, generally in short or medium-term marriages;
• Permanent alimony, which may be awarded in long term marriages to ensure the receiving spouse maintains their standard of living;
• Rehabilitation alimony, which helps you gain the education or experience you need to reenter the workforce.

Discuss Your Options with Our Tampa Alimony Attorney

At the Law Offices of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., you can count on us to help you get the alimony you are entitled to in your divorce proceedings. To discuss your options, give us a call or contact our Tampa alimony attorney online and request a consultation today.