Sarasota Alimony Attorneys
Guiding Clients Through The Alimony Process in Sarasota, Bradenton, & Southwest Florida
Alimony consists of court-ordered payments paid to one of the parties during and/or after a Florida divorce. Whether or not you will have to pay alimony or whether you will receive it is not a cut-and-dried issue. Unlike child support, no state guidelines or calculation worksheets exist to determine if or how much or for how long alimony will be owed. Many factors will need to be reviewed by the court when you are either seeking or contesting alimony. If you and your spouse agree on this issue, you can submit your agreement to the court for approval. If it becomes a contested issue, the court must intervene to decide.
When a divorce case reaches the stage of determining alimony, a judge will decide whether, when, and how it will be paid. Since no formula exists for determining alimony, the process can be subjective and vary from judge to judge. To protect your financial interests, you will need an experienced attorney on your side. At Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., we understand that the process of determining alimony can be confusing and emotional. Our Sarasota alimony attorneys have the experience needed to build the strongest possible case for your desired outcome.
Are you looking for legal assistance for your alimony matter? Call Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., today at (941) 499-8154 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Sarasota alimony lawyers.
Understanding Your Rights and Options for Alimony in Florida
When it comes to alimony, it's important to understand your rights and options under Florida law. Our experienced Sarasota alimony attorneys can guide you through the process and help you navigate the complexities of alimony in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Southwest Florida.
Whether you're seeking alimony or facing a potential alimony obligation, it's crucial to consider the different types of alimony available in Florida and the factors that play a role in determining alimony payments. Our team can provide personalized legal advice tailored to your unique situation and help you make informed decisions about your alimony case.
At Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve the best possible outcome in their alimony matters. Contact our Sarasota alimony lawyers today to discuss your case and take control of your future.
Types of Alimony in Florida
In Florida, both men and women may be awarded alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or support. There are four types of alimony:
- Temporary alimony: Florida courts realize the financial stress involved with divorce proceedings and allow for temporary alimony to be paid until a more permanent agreement can be made.
- Lump-sum alimony: A one-time payment can be made as an alternative to monthly payments made for an undetermined amount of time.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of support is awarded for a shorter time to allow the receiving spouse to focus on becoming financially independent.
- Durational alimony: This type of alimony is awarded in moderate-term marriages for a modifiable period of time.
What Factors Play a Role For Alimony?
The two most critical factors involved in the issue of alimony are:
- Whether or not the party requesting it has a valid need for financial assistance.
- The ability of the paying party to provide it.
If you have demonstrable proof that you need alimony, but your soon-to-be ex-spouse does not have the financial wherewithal to pay it without shorting his or her own basic needs, you are unlikely to be awarded it by the court.
On the other hand, if your spouse has a larger income than you, but you still have an abundance of resources to cover all your needs, it is unlikely you will be awarded alimony. Overall, courts will look at the standard of living that was established in the marriage and try to maintain that standard through its decisions. Alimony can be modified after divorce in certain circumstances. It can be stopped if the recipient remarries or moves in with a new partner.
How Long Do You Have to Be Married to Get Alimony in Florida?
Florida does not have set rules as to how long you must have been married to receive alimony. However, a “presumption” does exist that you must have been married for at least ten years in order to be eligible for alimony. In any case of alimony, however, a judge will decide based on the evidence presented in court. Other factors that may influence the issue of alimony include whether or not one spouse engaged in financial or marital misconduct, such as squandering assets or lavishing expensive gifts on a lover in an adulterous relationship.
An Alimony Factor You Can Control
Many factors will influence the issue of alimony, such as the length of the marriage, the financial conditions of both parties, the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, the earning capacities of both parties, the contributions of both sides to the marriage, and more. Many or all of such factors will be analyzed by the court in its determination.
While you cannot control how a judge will rule, you can control one factor, which is the quality and competence of your attorney. At our firm, you will have access to an entire team of experienced divorce lawyers, of whom one is Board Certified in Marital Law by the Florida Bar. Our lawyers are here to answer all of your questions about alimony and protect your financial interests.
Contact Our Sarasota Alimony Lawyers Today
If you're facing alimony challenges in Florida, our Sarasota alimony lawyers are here to assist you. At Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., we understand the complexities and sensitivities that are often involved in alimony cases and are committed to providing you with compassionate and personalized legal representation. Whether you're seeking alimony or need assistance modifying an existing agreement, we are here to guide you through the legal process. Contact Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., today and let our alimony attorneys in Sarasota help you navigate your family law matter effectively and efficiently. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we're ready to advocate for your best interests.
Contact Schipani, Norman & McLain, P.A., today to get started with our Sarasota alimony attorneys.