This is the next post in my series on the topic of alimony and spousal support in a Melbourne, Florida divorce. My last article provided an overview of topics which this series will be addressing. It also stressed the need to speak with a family law attorney if you are going through the end of a marriage and have questions about your situation. In this article I will explain how our state deals with spousal support in a general sense. It is important to understand that how the Court will rule, in any given situation, will always depend on the specific facts of a case. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Florida typically divides alimony into three different classes. The first of these is “bridge the gap maintenance.” Such support is meant to be short-term in nature. It provides assistance to a spouse only for the time necessary to re-establish themselves on their own; re-establishment of one’s self typically involves finding employment, finding new housing, etc. Our state’s second class of alimony is typically referred to as “rehabilitative maintenance.” This type of support, while not meant to be long-lasting, is appropriate in cases where the receiving spouse cannot immediately re-enter the workforce. For example, the spouse may need to attend job retraining or some type of vocational program. Finally, “durational alimony” typically provides a spouse with a set payment for a predetermined amount of time as opposed to the amount of time that is necessary for them to get back on their feet.
The Court will consider a variety of factors when deciding whether an award of alimony is appropriate. These factors can include the length of the marriage, the earning potential of each spouse, the amount of assets with which a spouse will leave the marriage, the extent to which one spouse obtained education or credentials during the marriage, and more. This means, for example, that a spouse who stayed home with children long-term, while their counterpart established a career, may be entitled to a greater award than one who also had their own career during the marriage. To gain a better understanding as to how a Judge may rule in a particular instance, however, it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
If you are going through a contested divorce then contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne spousal support lawyer. I have handled many such matters and my office prides itself on providing the highest levels of service. We are ready to assist you. 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.