If you’re considering divorce, one of the main issues that you might face is alimony. You should know how the courts in Florida determine alimony and what factors are usually considered.
What is alimony?
Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays to the other after divorce. It’s often awarded when one spouse earns significantly more than the other or when one spouse has a greater earning potential. Alimony can get paid in monthly installments or in a lump sum.
How do the courts determine alimony in Florida?
The courts in Florida take a number of factors into account when determining alimony, including the incomes and assets of both spouses. The court will look at how much each spouse has made in recent years.
Secondly, the court will look at how long your marriage lasted. If it was a short marriage, the chances of awarding alimony could be slim. On the other hand, if one of you is elderly or has disabilities that prevent gainful employment, then this might increase your chances of getting support from your spouse after divorce. The other factors that courts take into account while making this decision include the standard of living during the marriage, whether either spouse has custody of minor children and any relevant agreements between the spouses.
Can alimony get modified?
Yes. If there’s a significant change in either spouse’s income or if there are other changes that would warrant a modification, then the court can order a new divorce settlement. For instance, if the paying spouse loses their job, the court might reduce or suspend alimony payments.
If you’re expecting to undergo the process of alimony, it’s important to remember that it can be a very difficult process. It requires divorcees to take into account many factors and accept to make sacrifices for the sake of fairness. Thankfully, most divorcees succeed at coming up with a settlement that works well for both parties involved and allows them to move on after divorce without too much financial stress.