Securing Your Financial Future

Transitioning from a dual-income household to a single income is incredibly difficult and overwhelming for anyone who endures that situation. For this reason, alimony was designed to provide financial support to a lower-earning or non-earning spouse following a divorce. Having a legal team who understands your needs and will advocate for spousal support as you go through your divorce can help ease some of the burden. Our dedicated team of Jacksonville alimony lawyers provides compassionate legal service. In addition to guiding you through asset division and alimony concerns, we are committed to helping you emerge from the divorce process, fully embracing your unique potential and individuality. Our goal is not just to help you adjust to a new normal but to empower you to discover and thrive in the full spectrum of your identities, creating a fulfilling new chapter in your life.

Why Choose the Florida Women’s Law Group?

When you choose Florida Women’s Law Group, you get representation and support tailored specifically for women. Our firm, composed entirely of women who advocate solely for women, offers a unique level of understanding, empathy, and support. We don’t just focus on the legal aspects like asset division and alimony; we’re here to help you emerge stronger, secure your financial future, and flourish in the next chapter of your life.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that women have the right to their own legal representation—one that respects and understands their specific needs. We provide the tools and guidance needed to take control of your situation, rebuild your life, and thrive. Whether you're dealing with complex assets, high-net-worth issues, or simply navigating the uncertainties of divorce, our Florida team is here to support you.

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Determining Alimony in Florida

Florida courts consider various factors to ensure a fair and equitable resolution when determining alimony. For couples without children, these considerations revolve around the financial dynamics between the spouses. Key factors include:

  • Duration of the Marriage: The length of the marriage plays a crucial role in alimony decisions. Marriages lasting less than ten years are considered short term, between ten and twenty years as moderate, and twenty years or more is considered long term. 
  • Standard of Living: The court seeks to maintain a similar standard of living for both parties post-divorce as they experienced during the marriage.
  • Financial Resources: The court evaluates each spouse's financial resources, including income, assets, and liabilities. It examines both spouses' earning capacities, educational levels, and employability.
  • Contribution to Marriage: This category includes economic and non-economic contributions, such as income generation and homemaking duties.
  • Age and Health: Each spouse's age and physical and emotional health can impact the court's decision if it affects earning potential.
  • Tax Consequences: To arrive at a comprehensive and fair settlement,your attorney will consider the potential tax implications of alimony for both parties.

Types of Alimony

Bridge-the-Gap

This type of alimony assists the lower-earning spouse in transitioning from married to single life. It covers short-term needs and has a maximum duration of two years. Once established,  this type of alimony cannot change. This form of financial support will be awarded in the final decree and is intended to assist with legitimate short-term needs, such as easing the transition between married to single life. Bridge the gap alimony is non modifiable and cannot exceed two (2) years of support. 

Durational

Suitable for marriages of most lengths, durational alimony provides financial assistance for a set period, not exceeding 50% of the length of marriage for a short-term marriage, 60% of the marriage for a moderate-term, or 75% of the length of marriage for a long-term marriage. Modifications are limited to changes in the amount but not the length of the term. This form of financial support will be awarded in the final decree and is intended to assist the recipient with economic assistance for a specified time period. The length of time that the recipient can receive support is dependent on the length of marriage. To quality for durational alimony, the parties must have been married for at least three (3) years. To determine the length in marriage, the court will consider the date of marriage to the date of filing an action for Dissolution of Marriage. A short-term marriage is any marriage that is less than ten (10) years in length. If the recipient is dissolving a short-term marriage, the maximum length of time they can receive alimony is 50% of the length of the marriage. A moderate term marriage is any marriage lasting from ten (10) to twenty (20) years in length. If the recipient is dissolving a moderate length of marriage, the maximum length of time they can receive alimony is 60% of the length of the marriage. A long-term marriage is any marriage that exceeds twenty (20) years in length. If the recipient is dissolving a long-term marriage, the maximum length of time they can receive alimony is 75% of the length of the marriage.  As far as how much support that the recipient can receive, the parties’ current incomes must be considered, as well as the recipients need for support and the payer’s ability to pay. The amount of durational alimony that is awarded cannot exceed 35% of the difference between the parties current incomes. Durational alimony can be modified due to change in significant circumstances for either party and can be terminated upon death, remarriage, or evidence of a supportive relationship. 

Rehabilitative

This form of support aids the recipient spouse in gaining the necessary education, training, or skills to become self-supporting. It requires a detailed rehabilitative plan and can be modified if circumstances change. This form of financial support will be awarded in the final decree and is intended to assist with establishing the ability to become self-supported by redevelopment of previous skills or credentials or pursuing an education, training, or experience necessary to become self-supported. This form of alimony must include a specific plan and next steps for the recipient included in the final decree and may not exceed 5 years of support.

Temporary

Awarded during the divorce process, temporary alimony ensures financial stability until the divorce finalizes. This form is crucial for spouses with limited income during the proceedings. This form of financial support can be awarded during the dissolution process itself. Temporary alimony payments are applicable where the lower earning spouse can prove that they have a need for financial support while the dissolution is ongoing. As the name suggests, this support is intended to be temporary in nature. Once the final decree is entered, this form of support will be terminated. 

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Lump Sum Alimony

Lump sum alimony is a one-time payment or a few payments made over a short period that settles the alimony obligation entirely. In Florida, this type of alimony is non-modifiable, meaning the agreed amount cannot be changed or canceled in the future. This provides certainty and security for both parties, allowing for a clean break without ongoing monthly payments.

This approach is practical when one spouse has significant assets or income to provide for the other's needs upfront. It is often used when the receiving spouse desires immediate access to funds—to pay off debts, make significant purchases, or secure new living arrangements after divorce. For the paying spouse, it eliminates future obligations and the risk of default or modifications.

Negotiating lump sum alimony requires transparency and compromise. Both parties must discuss their financial situations, future earning potentials, and lifestyle during the marriage. Our experienced family law attorneys can be invaluable in this process, preparing necessary financial disclosures, evaluating each spouse's financial standing, and advocating for a fair settlement that considers long-term implications. We are here to protect your rights and ensure a just outcome.

We Help Women Rebuild Their Lives After Divorce

At Florida Women’s Law Group, our mission goes beyond achieving exceptional legal outcomes—we are committed to empowering women to take control of their lives and thrive after divorce. We provide more than just legal representation; we offer professional guidance on finances, assets, and emotional well-being. Our all-women team understands your unique challenges and is dedicated to helping you navigate them with confidence. With our support, you’ll find the strength to rise above this difficult time and build a fulfilling future. Your case matters to us, and so does your long-term success. Schedule a preliminary call with an alimony lawyer in Jacksonville today.

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