This article is written to conclude and recap my series on the issue of alimony or spousal support in a Melbourne, Florida divorce. I considered it necessary to write on this topic due to the fact that few issues can cause as much disagreement, during the dissolution of a marriage, as does that of alimony. For understandable reasons, one spouse feels they are paying too much while the other often feels they are receiving too little. The goal of my recent articles has been to provide information which will help people to more fully understand their options. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a divorce lawyer. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
I have addressed several topics over the course of my recent articles. The issues which I have analyzed include:
- How Florida handles spousal support
- How property division impacts alimony
- The impact of “underemployment” on spousal support
- Adjusting spousal support or alimony obligations
- The consequences of not paying spousal support
There are numerous reasons why I chose to address these topics. First, it is important to understand how our state addresses the issue. Having such an understanding can help one to have reasonable expectations. Second, many are surprised to realize that the division of marital property and debts will impact the Court’s award of support. Third, many spouses, unfortunately, attempt to lower their support obligations by intentionally earning less than what they are capable of. Such “underemployment” can result in the Court awarding an amount which is disproportionate to the paying party’s actual income. Fourth, it is generally possible to gain an adjustment to the monthly payment if either spouse’s income goes up or down. Finally, failing to pay one’s alimony is not simply a private matters between two parties; it is a violation of a court order which may result in jail time.
One point I stressed throughout each of these articles is that it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to deal with such issues during a divorce. As a Melbourne spousal support attorney, I am able to assist in cases which involve alimony. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. We also service clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.