Alimony Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL

Under Florida Statutes § 61.08, courts have the authority to award alimony, or spousal support, when one spouse demonstrates a financial need and the other spouse has the ability to pay.

Supporting Women Through Financial Transition

Florida Women’s Law Group intimately understands how unsettling it can be to transition from a shared household to financial independence. For many women—especially those who stepped away from their careers, served as primary caregivers, or earned significantly less than their spouses—alimony offers essential support during this life change. Our alimony attorneys in Jacksonville are here to help you secure the financial foundation you need to begin your next chapter with strength and stability.

Florida Alimony Basics

Florida courts may award several types of alimony, depending on the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, each party’s financial circumstances, and other factors.

The primary types of alimony in Florida include:

Temporary Alimony: Provides support during the divorce process to maintain financial stability until a final judgment is entered.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Offers short-term support (up to two years) to assist with legitimate, identifiable needs during the transition from married to single life.
Rehabilitative Alimony: Supports a spouse in redeveloping previous skills or obtaining education or training necessary for self-sufficiency. This type may not exceed 5 years.
Lump Sum Alimony: Although not a specific statutory category, lump sum alimony may be structured by agreement or order as a non-modifiable, one-time payment or a short series of payments.

Alimony Without Children: Financial Independence After Divorce

For women exiting a marriage without children, alimony can be a critical legal mechanism to preserve financial stability and regain momentum toward independence.

Florida law allows alimony when one spouse demonstrates a need and the other has the ability to pay. The statute requires courts to consider:

The duration of the marriage
The standard of living during the marriage
Each party’s financial resources
Contributions to the marriage
Other relevant factors in determining the type and amount of support

We help you:

Evaluate your marriage's duration and financial dynamics, consistent with the court’s classification of short-term, moderate-term, and long-term marriages.
Determine eligibility for appropriate forms of alimony:
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Up to 2 years, non-modifiable.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Must include a specific, defined plan.
- Durational Alimony: Based on the length of the marriage, with caps at 50%, 60%, or 75% depending on marriage duration.
- Lump Sum Alimony: Recognized in Florida case law as a structured final resolution (Sisson v. Sisson, 336 So. 2d 1129 (Fla. 1976))
Strategically propose or negotiate alimony terms as part of an uncontested divorce process, following procedures outlined under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure and the practice of preparing Consent Final Judgments.

Alimony With Children: Securing Support for You and Your Family

When children are involved, alimony often intersects with child support, parenting plans, and timesharing arrangements. Courts assess factors such as:

Each party’s income
Parenting duties
The standard of living during the marriage when awarding alimony

Simultaneously, child support is calculated using Florida’s Child Support Guidelines under § 61.30, which factors in income, timesharing schedules, and the child’s specific needs.

In these cases, we:

Coordinate alimony and child support strategies to reflect your caregiving role and anticipated future expenses
Prepare comprehensive settlement documents, including Parenting Plans (required under § 61.13) and Financial Affidavits (required under Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.285 for mandatory disclosure)
Advise on child-related factors that may influence your ability to work and earn income, which courts must consider when determining alimony
Streamline the process through uncontested divorce strategies, such as proposing a Consent Final Judgment or mutual settlement agreements, to avoid prolonged litigation (Fla. Fam. L. R. P. 12.105)

Our all-women team understands the delicate balance between financial advocacy and emotional support. We help you feel heard, seen, and protected throughout the journey.

How Does the Process Work? (Uncontested Divorce Approach)

When spouses agree on alimony and related terms—or are open to negotiation—an uncontested divorce can offer a faster, less stressful solution. Here’s how we guide you through it:

1. Consult With Your Attorney

We’ll review your finances, family situation, and goals, and determine whether to prepare a full agreement or draft a settlement offer.

2. File the Initial Paperwork

We prepare all necessary legal documents, including your Petition for Dissolution and Notice of Appearance, and address jurisdictional filings if children are involved.

3. Draft a Settlement or Consent Final Judgment

We outline alimony, property division, and child-related terms (if applicable), and include any necessary parenting plans and waivers to streamline the case.

4. Deliver the Packet to Your Spouse

We’ll help you decide whether to email, mail, or serve your spouse, based on the dynamics of your case and the desired pace of the process.

5. Facilitate Signature and Filing

If your spouse agrees, we file all documents and schedule your final hearing—often the last step before your new life begins.

6. Prepare for Final Hearing

Your attorney attends with you, presents your case, and helps you obtain a signed Final Judgment, legally concluding your divorce and establishing any alimony arrangements.

If your spouse does not respond or refuses to cooperate, we’re ready to pivot to a contested approach and protect your interests in court.

Modifying or Enforcing Alimony

Life changes. If your circumstances—or those of your former spouse—have significantly shifted, we can help you request a modification. We also assist in enforcement actions if you’re not receiving the support you owe.

Grounds for modification include:

Retirement or job loss
Remarriage or cohabitation
Increased medical expenses or changes in the cost of living

Methods of enforcement may include:

Wage garnishments
Contempt proceedings
Court orders for payment compliance

Heather and Anne smiling and posing together

Why Choose Florida Women’s Law Group in Jacksonville?

As Northeast Florida’s only family law firm for women, by women, our mission is not just to help you finalize a divorce but to help you thrive in life after it. We offer:

An all-women team focused exclusively on women’s rights and needs
Strategic guidance through uncontested or contested divorce processes
Personalized attention to alimony, parenting, and long-term financial health
Support that honors your voice, values, and vision for the future

Let’s Secure Your Future

If you’re ready to take that next step, we’re here to support you with the legal experience and emotional insight you deserve. Schedule a confidential consultation with one of our alimony lawyers in Jacksonville today, and let’s begin the path toward your next chapter—stronger and fully supported.