Dedicated Alimony Lawyer in Altamonte Springs

What Qualifies You for Alimony in Florida?

In order to qualify for receiving alimony payments, a party must demonstrate a need for alimony for which the other party has an ability to make support payments. Evidence that tends to prove a party’s need for alimony include bank statements, tax returns, and bills for utilities, medical treatment, and credit cards.

Additionally, there are specific procedural requirements that must be satisfied to give a court jurisdiction to order alimony:

• Alimony must be expressly requested in the pleadings;
• The supporting spouse must be physically present in the district for which the court has jurisdiction; and
• The spouse seeking support must serve process on the other spouse in person or by mail.

The Law Office of Russell S. Hershkowitz, LLC is an experienced firm led by an accomplished Altamonte Springs family law attorney. Our team of alimony attorneys is ready to fight for the best possible spousal support outcome. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you understand spousal support payments.

Do you need legal representation to help obtain or modify fair alimony agreements? Contact our Florida law firm at (407) 753-4111.

Forms of Alimony Payments

Following a divorce, any alimony payments set up by the Court can have a major impact on your quality of life. There are many factors the Court considers when it makes a decision regarding alimony or spousal support after a divorce. Enlisting the help of an accomplished Altamonte Springs alimony lawyer can help obtain a favorable financial position for you after your divorce is finalized.

• There are many forms of spousal support in Florida, including:
• Rehabilitative alimony – Is awarded to a party to help develop skills, education, or training so they can pursue employment.
• Durational alimony – Designed as payments which last for a specific time frame when permanent alimony isn’t appropriate.
• Permanent alimony – Usually when other forms of alimony aren’t adequate, the payments continue until the party receiving payments marries or dies.
• Bridge the gap alimony – Payments that are designed to help one party transition from their married life. Payments normally don’t last more than two years.

How is Alimony Calculated in Florida?

Florida typically calculates alimony on two things, the need of the spouse and the ability of the payee to deliver. However, there are general guidelines that a court will lean on. To estimate the amount of alimony, 30% of the payer's gross annual income minus 20% of the payee's gross annual income.

Can Alimony Be Modified?

Unless both spouses agree to not change their alimony agreement, either spouse may request to modify the original order. However, the judge will only approve this request if there has been a significant change in circumstances.

Such circumstances include:

• The loss of a job or reduction in wage
• Contracting an illness that inhibits the paying parent from working
• The paying parent becomes disabled and prevents him or her from working
• The parent that has been receiving the payments gets remarried
• The parent receiving payments has had their income increased

Is Alimony Taxable in Florida?

If the court finalized your divorce on or after January 1, 2019, your payments are no longer eligible for a tax deduction. They will be charged as income to the recipient and permitted to be taxed.

Our Altamonte Springs alimony lawyer can provide you with detailed legal representation to pursue a reasonable alimony agreement. The lead attorney has more than 25 years of experience and has helped a wide range of clients with their alimony, divorce, and other family law issues. He prides himself on his ability to provide aggressive advocacy on behalf of our clients.

For more information and to arrange a free consultation of your alimony case, contact us at (407) 753-4111.