Gilbert & Smallman: Experienced Divorce Lawyers Handling Florida Spousal Support Issues Divorce is often a difficult process for everyone involved, and spousal support is only one aspect of the issues that must be addressed head on.  Spousal support payments are ordered to provide for the financial needs of a spouse after a divorce. At The Law Offices of Gilbert & Smallman in Broward County, Florida, we are committed to working with clients, whether in simple or complex situations, to help ensure alimony payments are established in accordance with the economic needs and means of each spouse. What Can an Alimony Attorney Offer You? There are several types of spousal support, permanent alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and restitutional or reimbursement alimony. Permanent alimony is paid indefinitely, until adjusted by a court or one of the ex-spouses dies. Rehabilitative and restitutional alimony are ordered for a specific length of time. In cases where alimony is warranted, we work closely with our clients to establish the appropriate amount of spousal support payments and whether the support payments will be permanent or temporary. The state of Florida does not have specific guidelines in which to determine the amount of alimony to be specified.  While there are certain “rules” that the court must adhere to when making decisions regarding spousal support, there is much freedom with regard to the interpretation of these rules.  Florida is not considered a true “no fault” state, as it is not uncommon for the court to take adultery into consideration when determining the final alimony support amount. The court examines the state’s guidelines to determine if spousal support is appropriate, and if so, the amount and length of spousal support payment. However, the court also has the right to use any other factor it deems relevant in awarding spousal maintenance. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to understand their situation and develop legal strategies to obtain spousal support arrangements that meet their needs.

Alimony Laws Might Change in Florida

“Alimony laws have been on the books in Florida for way too long without serious reform,” he told the House Judiciary Committee. “Things have changed in the family and so should alimony.”Workman said though the term “permanent alimony” would be done away with, conceivably, someone could receive alimony for life. The phrase “bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony” replaces permanent alimony. He pointed out that payments could still extend well past a former spouse’s life span.Nevertheless the bill (HB 231), which passed 14-4, would end alimony where a spouse is locked in to receive payments for life, or until he or she remarries.Also, the bill (HB 231) would make several other changes to alimony. Standard of living during the marriage would no longer be a factor in determining alimony payments. Also it would codify the presumption that both parties would have a lower standard of living after the divorce. And alimony would be limited based on formulas factoring in incomes and the marriage’s duration. Also once the former spouse who receives alimony reaches retirement age, the bill would require the payments cease.

At The Law Offices of Gilbert and Smallman, it is our job to keep up with the latest issues that could possibly impact your case, and to work within the system to ensure that your financial needs will be met within the state’s alimony guidelines.  Because each divorce situation is unique and complex in its own way, we will give your case the time and attention necessary, in order to ensure that alimony is resolved with great care.  

Contact us today for a free consultation, so we can evaluate the specific issues you’re concerned about.