Will There Be Alimony in Your Florida Divorce?
If divorcing spouses are not on equal footing financially, one may be ordered to provide monetary support to the other (in addition to any child support). This may be interim support during the divorce process, a short-term remedy after divorce until the spouse becomes self-supporting or a permanent award of alimony.
Whether you would be paying or receiving alimony, the law firm of Jeffrey S. Koster, P.L., can provide the experienced counsel you need. Our divorce attorney is well versed in Florida's alimony law, which was recently overhauled.
Jeffrey Koster has extensive experience in high net worth divorce, including negotiation and litigation of alimony. Call 866-941-1325 or contact us online to arrange a consultation. We serve the Tampa area and surrounding counties.
Tampa Spousal Support Attorney
Alimony, also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, is intended to equalize incomes or standard of living, especially when one spouse has a high income or the other spouse has limited prospects to be self-supporting. It is either agreed upon by the parties or awarded at the discretion of the court.
Because alimony awards varied widely from judge to judge, the Florida Legislature amended the statute in 2010 to make it more fair and predictable. There is a statutory presumption of alimony for long marriages (more than 17 years) and a presumption of no alimony for short marriages (less than seven years). The new statute provides more guidance for those middle-ground marriages (seven to 17 years).
- Temporary spousal support may be awarded in any pending divorce to ensure that the recipient spouse can meet financial obligations and maintain a standard of living.
- Rehabilitative alimony applies in short or mid-range marriages. It provides financial support, usually for a year or two, while a former spouse goes back to school or re-establishes a career.
- Durational alimony applies to mid-range or long marriages. It is awarded for a fixed period not to exceed the length of the marriage.
- Permanent alimony is ongoing support until the recipient remarries or dies.
Jeffrey Koster is knowledgeable about alimony and the bigger picture, especially in the context of high net worth divorce. His role is to argue the factors in the statute that favor his client's position for or against alimony. The court will consider such factors as duration of the marriage, income and financial position of each party, education and earning capacity, age and health concerns, and contributions to the marriage and child rearing.
Contact a Lutz Alimony Lawyer Who Is Looking Out for Your Future
Mr. Foster can negotiate alimony on your behalf, using it strategically to obtain a fair and practical property settlement. He is also a skilled trial lawyer who is prepared to fight for your interests in court when litigation is unavoidable.
Mr. Koster personally handles your case, rather than a paralegal or inexperienced associate. He serves the Tampa Bay area and west central Florida. Call 866-941-1325 for a free 30-minute phone consultation or e-mail us to schedule a one-on-one office consultation.
