Alimony

Tampa Divorce & Alimony Attorneys

**Important Update 2023: With new Florida Laws regarding alimony, you may have questions or concerns about how it may effect your divorce. To read updated information regarding divorce or alimony see our Alimony FAQ’s page or call our office to schedule a family law consultation and thorough case review. 

Consultations: (813) 879-4600 or send us a secure message.

Entering the divorce process can be a very difficult and challenging time in a person’s life.  A divorce is the dissolution of a unique relationship that was once created.  The dissolving of this unique relationship is further complicated when the financial realities are faced and confronted.  It is a given that couples can live typically more financially secure under one roof than what can be achieved by being in separate residences.  Often times one spouse is dependent upon the other for financial assistance.

The spouse needing assistance may seek a form of alimony from the other spouse.  Alimony is based upon the years of marriage, the need of one spouse, the ability of the other spouse and is in consideration of the standard of living enjoyed during the course of the marriage. Hiring a divorce lawyer in Tampa who is experienced in areas of the types of alimony awards in Florida and other Florida alimony laws can help you through this difficult transition.

How is the Type of Alimony Determined in a Florida Divorce?

For purposes of determining alimony, there is a rebuttable presumption that a short-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of less than 7 years, a moderate-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of greater than 7 years but less than 17 years, and long-term marriage is a marriage having a duration of 17 years or greater. The length of a marriage is the period of time from the date of marriage until the date of filing for a dissolution of marriage.

Types of Alimony in Florida Divorces

Under Florida law, the court can order bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative alimony, durational or any combination of these forms of alimony.  Bridge-the-gap alimony is to assist one spouse in making the transition from being married to being single. Bridge-the-gap alimony may not exceed 2 years. Bridge-the-gap alimony terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. An award of bridge-the-gap alimony is not  modifiable in amount or duration. It is wise to seek an experienced Top Rated divorce lawyer in Tampa who can assist you with your alimony case.

Read: Types of Alimony in Florida Divorces

Abatement of Alimony in Tampa Bay

In order to abate alimony, you will first have to file a motion for abatement and, in most cases, attend mediation prior to your hearing. A motion for abatement may be used to ask the court to temporarily suspend a person’s obligation to pay spousal support for a period of time. This differs from a typical modification of spousal support because a typical modification is intended to be permanent and requires you to file a Supplemental Petition for Modification of Final Judgment.

Schedule a Consultation with Tampa Divorce & Alimony Attorney, Nilo J Sanchez & Associates

To assist you in determining whether alimony is a potential in your divorce case, contact us to discuss your case in greater detail. With over 30 years as divorce lawyers in Tampa Bay you can be confident that you’re hiring an experienced Tampa, Florida alimony attorney , one with extensive knowledge of alimony, child support, custody and timesharing. 

Learn More About Alimony and How it May Effect Your Tampa, Florida Divorce Case
Who Gets Alimony in a Florida Divorce?
Past Due Alimony, Penalties, Enforcement, Modifications
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Alimony

Modifying Alimony
Florida Alimony Reform
Florida Statutes Alimony
Divorcing in Tampa Bay & New Federal Alimony Tax Code