May
Do Alimony and Spousal Support Mean the Same Thing in Florida?
If you're going through a divorce in Florida or just starting to research your options, you’ve probably come across two different phrases: alimony and spousal support. At first glance, they seem to mean the same thing-and in many cases, people use them interchangeably. But do they actually mean the same thing in the eyes of Florida law? The short answer: not exactly. While both terms refer to financial support paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce, Florida only officially recognizes one of them, alimony. That distinction might sound small, but it matters more than most people think. Why Florida Uses the Term Alimony Here’s the thing: Florida statutes, cour ...
Mar
How to Avoid Alimony in Florida
Alimony, or sometimes called spousal support, is often a big piece of Florida divorce cases. Florida law does not automatically grant alimony; a court will award it only if one spouse has a demonstrated need and the other has the ability to pay. If you're someone looking legally avoid or minimize alimony obligations, proactive planning and smart legal strategies are a must. Types of Alimony in Florida Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: A short-term support intended to “bridge the gap” between married and single life. Bridge-the-gap alimony terminates upon the death of either party or remarriage of the recipient, and it is non-modifiable by statute 61.08. Rehabilitative Alimony: Support designed to h ...
Mar
What Disqualifies You From Getting Alimony
Florida’s alimony laws set clear requirements and limitations on when a spouse can receive support after divorce. While courts have discretion in awarding alimony, several legal factors can disqualify a spouse from receiving alimony or significantly reduce their eligibility. These include absolute bars (situations where alimony is essentially prohibited) as well as circumstances that weigh heavily against an award. 1. Remarriage of the Recipient Spouse If the spouse receiving alimony gets remarried, their right to ongoing payments typically ends as a matter of law. The logic is straightforward: a new marriage presumably provides financial support from the new partner, making ali ...
Feb
Can a Prenup Limit or Waive Alimony?
In recent years, prenuptial agreements have surged in popularity among couples, transcending their traditional association with the wealthy elite. These "prenups," serve as a proactive measure for couples to outline the division of their assets, debts, and specify alimony arrangements in the unfortunate event of a divorce. As marriages evolve, so does the understanding that while love binds people together, financial clarity and legal foresight can safeguard their future, should the path of marriage diverge. Understanding Prenuptial Agreements in Florida Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, while similar in their objectives, are distinguished by their timing. A prenuptial agree ...
Feb
How is Alimony Calculated?
Any divorce represents a significant change in the lives of you and your former spouse. One of the common shifts you can expect will be financial in nature. Particularly if one of you is the primary breadwinner of the family, the other may be concerned about their ability to continue living a life of the standard you’ve become used to. This is where alimony comes into play. The courts can direct one party to make regular payments to the other for a period of time to mitigate hardships. However, it’s important to work with an attorney experienced in representing men in Florida to make certain any amount of alimony allocation is fair. So, how is alimony calculated? Let’s take a closer lo ...
Jan
Proving Cohabitation to Stop Alimony
Coming to the end of the divorce process usually means you’re free to move on with your life. However, as a man going through a divorce in Florida, there may be a lingering aspect of your marriage that is still causing a certain amount of frustration: alimony payments. While this is considered to be part of a fair division of assets, you certainly don’t expect it to be a permanent arrangement. In most cases, the courts will place an end date on your payments. But these can stop sooner if your ex is in a cohabiting relationship. After all, it’s not fair for you to keep giving a portion of your income if your former spouse is gaining financial support from a new partner. If your ex is ho ...
John DeGirolamo has a heartfelt passion for representing the underdog in an environment that is often unjustly stacked against his clients. He’s earned the trust of tens of thousands of Tampa men seeking a divorce, working with them to create a smooth, fair outcome of their years spent as dedicated husbands & caring fathers.
She Took the Kids Without Telling Me - What Do I Do Now?
How Long Does a Dissolution of Marriage Take in Florida?
