Divorce is a challenging journey, especially when financial concerns arise. At Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty you may feel. We will guide you through the complexities of alimony in Orlando, FL, to seek the support you need. Also known as spousal support, alimony can help you move forward with your life after divorce.
Contact our law office to schedule a complimentary consultation with an Orlando alimony lawyer at (407) 831-0203. Let’s discuss your family law issues and how we can help.
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How Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC Can Help You Seek Alimony In An Orlando Divorce
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC has represented clients in Orlando, Florida, since 2012. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is ready to help with your divorce and alimony needs. Our family law attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for six consecutive years and earned a 10.0 Avvo Rating.
Here is how an Orlando alimony attorney at our firm can help you:
- Assess your eligibility for alimony
- Determine the appropriate type of alimony for your situation
- Gather and present evidence to support a request for alimony
- Negotiate a fair alimony agreement with your spouse’s attorney
- Represent you in court if necessary
- Assist with modifying a judgment for alimony
Our commitment is to provide compassionate and effective legal support during this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Orlando alimony lawyer to discuss your family law issues and how we can help.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is an outdated term that refers to spousal support. It originated in England when divorce was prohibited but spouses could separate as long as the husband financially supported the wife. Today, the term spousal support is preferred.
Alimony refers to the financial support one spouse pays to another during or after divorce. It’s designed to compensate for one spouse’s lower earning potential, give them resources until they can be self-sufficient, or maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage.
In Florida, alimony laws have undergone significant changes, especially with the Alimony Reform Bill signed into law in 2023.
Types Of Alimony Available In An Orlando Divorce
The 2023 Alimony Reform Bill brought important changes to Florida’s alimony laws, including the elimination of permanent alimony. Now, there are four types of alimony that may be awarded.
A court can order alimony to be paid in periodic payments or as a lump sum, depending on the circumstances.
Temporary Alimony
This type of support is designed to maintain the status quo after divorce proceedings begin. It ensures a non-earning or lower-earning spouse has the financial means to cover living expenses and legal costs. It ends when the divorce is finalized, although the court may decide to order a different type of alimony.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
This form of alimony is meant to give one spouse financial assistance to address specific, short-term needs. It helps a non-earning or lower-earning spouse transition to single life by addressing immediate and foreseeable needs.
For instance, bridge-the-gap support can help the receiving spouse with:
- Moving expenses
- Security deposits for a rental home and utilities
- Purchasing furniture for their new home
- Reliable transportation
Bridge-the-gap alimony does not last more than two years.
Rehabilitative Alimony
This form of alimony is awarded to help the receiving spouse become financially independent. It helps one spouse gain the education or skills necessary to earn a living and support themselves. It’s usually awarded to a spouse who has been out of the workforce for a long time to take care of the household or children.
Rehabilitative alimony helps with the costs of getting an education, receiving job training, or completing a certificate or degree program. The recipient spouse must present a plan to the court that outlines the steps they will take and information about the training or education they need, the expected time frame, and the costs.
This type of alimony does not last for more than five years.
Durational Alimony
This is the form of alimony that most people are familiar with. It provides financial assistance for a specific period of time which is usually limited based on the length of the marriage.
This type of support is usually limited to 50% of the length of a marriage that lasts three to nine years and 75% of the length of a long-term marriage that lasts more than 20 years. However, judges have discretion to deviate from the guidelines,
A marriage that lasts less than three years is not eligible for durational alimony.
How Long Does Alimony Last In Orlando, FL?
The duration of alimony in Orlando, Florida, depends on the type of alimony awarded and the marriage duration.
- Temporary alimony: Until the final divorce decree is issued
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: Up to two years
- Rehabilitative alimony: Up to five years
- Short-term marriage that lasts more than three but less than 10 years: Durational alimony up to 50% of the duration of the marriage
- Moderate-term marriage that lasts 10 to 20 years: Durational alimony up to 60% of the duration of the marriage
- Long-term marriage that lasts more than 20 years: Durational alimony up to 75% of the duration of the marriage
Permanent alimony in Florida was eliminated in 2023.
Alimony may end when the paying spouse (obligor) retires at federal retirement age or the customary age to retire in their profession. The obligor must request termination or modification of a support order and demonstrate they have actually retired. The court will consider whether retirement has affected their ability to pay to make a decision.
Am I Eligible For Alimony In Orlando, Florida?
Courts in Orlando consider various factors when determining whether to award alimony. The first thing the court will need to determine is whether there is an ability to pay support and a true need for support.
If the court determines that one spouse can afford to pay alimony and the other spouse has a need, they may consider the following:
- Marriage duration, which can justify the form and duration of alimony
- Earning potential, education, vocational skills, and ability to obtain necessary education or skills
- Age and health, including the impact of a physical or mental disability on a spouse’s ability to support themselves and whether a condition is temporary or permanent
- The lifestyle or standard of living the couple had during the relationship
- Sources of income, assets, and resources available
- Parental responsibilities toward minor children of the relationship
- Contributions each spouse made to the marriage including financial and non-financial contributions like child-rearing, homemaking, or supporting the other spouse’s ability to build a career
- Economic impact of infidelity, if applicable
This is not an exhaustive list. The court may consider any other factors that affect justice and equity between the spouses. For example, the court may terminate or reduce alimony if the receiving spouse has a new, supportive relationship that involves cohabitation or financial support.
Florida courts will also consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, as long as it’s valid and legally binding. However, the court may reject the terms of an agreement if it appears to be unfair to one spouse.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Orlando Alimony Lawyer
There is a lot at stake in any divorce, but particularly when one spouse faces disadvantages in moving forward. Alimony law is complex and receiving a support order requires a compelling case. If you need assistance with alimony and other matters during your divorce, Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers is here to help.
Call our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Orlando alimony lawyer. We will give you the compassionate guidance you need to make informed decisions and fight for your rights.
