Accomplished Attorneys Litigate Alimony Spousal Support in Tampa, Florida

Trustworthy Representation for Your Future Financial Security

When a couple divorces, financial uncertainty can cause a great deal of anxiety. A dependent spouse may worry how long it will take to become self-supporting, while a primary breadwinner has to wonder if it’s possible to support two separate households. As your divorce counsel, the Sessums Law Group works diligently to negotiate spousal support agreements that place you on the firmest possible financial footing. When agreement is not possible, we litigate disputes aggressively to help ensure your future security.

How Does Spousal Support Work in Tampa, Florida?

In Florida, spousal support, or alimony, is gender neutral, so either spouse could be the one paying or receiving support depending on their financial circumstances. Florida family law provides for a number of types of alimony:

• Temporary alimony — During the divorce, the court can order the primary earner to pay a dependent spouse support for reasonable maintenance expenses, including legal fees.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony — This type of support is meant to cover the period of transition as a dependent spouse becomes self-supporting.
• Rehabilitative alimony — If a dependent spouse needs further education or job training, the court can order payments for a certain amount of time to cover maintenance and related expenses.
• Durational alimony — In a short-term marriage or even one of moderate duration, the court can order maintenance payments for a set period of years. Durational alimony cannot last for longer than the length of the marriage.
• Permanent alimony — For long-term marriages or situations where a dependent spouse cannot be expected to become self-supporting, the court can order permanent alimony, which lasts until the death of either spouse or until a subsequent court order cancels it. If the court decides to award permanent alimony for a marriage of less than seven years’ duration, the court must cite “clear and convincing evidence” for doing so.

The purpose of alimony is to help ensure that divorce does not unjustly enrich one spouse to the detriment of the other. As your advocates, we do everything possible to ensure financial transparency throughout the process so the court has a reasonable basis for ruling on the issue.

How Do Florida Courts Calculate Alimony?

Florida alimony law is concerned with promoting fairness. To balance equities, the court considers a number of factors written into the Florida statutes. These include:

• The length of the marriage
• The age and health of each spouse
• The contributions each spouse has made to the marriage
• The relative earning capacities of the spouses
• Whether one spouse is the primary caregiver for young children

Overall, the objective is to hold a dependent spouse, as nearly as possible, at the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage. However, a court may also consider adultery as a factor to reduce an award of alimony.

The Sessums Law Group works diligently to assemble the evidence that places you in the best light so the court can apply the relevant factors to reach a favorable conclusion.

When Can You Terminate Spousal Support Early?

In Florida, spousal maintenance can be terminated early under certain circumstances. Here are the key conditions that might lead to the early termination of spousal support:

• Remarriage of the Recipient — If the spouse receiving alimony remarries, the paying spouse can petition the court to terminate the alimony payments.
• Cohabitation of the Recipient —  If the recipient spouse enters into a supportive relationship and lives with another person, the paying spouse can request a modification or termination of alimony. The court will consider factors such as shared finances, joint property, and the duration of the cohabitation to determine if it is akin to a marriage.
• Death of Either Party — Alimony obligations typically end upon the death of either the paying spouse or the recipient spouse.
• Retirement of the Paying Spouse — If the paying spouse retires, they can request the court to modify or terminate alimony. The court will evaluate the circumstances, including the paying spouse’s financial situation and the recipient's need for continued support.
• Change in Financial Circumstances — Significant changes in either party's financial circumstances, such as job loss, illness, or a substantial increase in income, can lead to a petition for modification or termination of alimony. The court will assess the impact of these changes on the ability to pay or the need for support.
• Recipient's Self-Sufficiency — If the recipient spouse becomes self-sufficient and no longer needs financial support, the paying spouse can petition the court for termination.

Contact a Family Law–Certified Attorney in Tampa to Resolve Your Alimony Dispute

Our team provides comprehensive legal assistance regarding spousal support matters in Florida. Here's how we can help you:

• Assessment of Eligibility: We can evaluate your situation to determine if you are eligible to receive spousal support (alimony) based on factors such as the length of marriage, financial needs, and each spouse's financial ability.
• Negotiation and Settlement: We negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair and favorable spousal support agreement during divorce proceedings or through mediation, ensuring your financial interests are protected.
• Court Representation: If litigation becomes necessary, we represent you in court to advocate for your rights and present evidence supporting your need for spousal support or, conversely, defending against unreasonable claims.
• Modification and Enforcement: We assist with modifying existing spousal support orders when circumstances change significantly, such as job loss or remarriage. We also help enforce court-ordered spousal support payments if the paying spouse fails to comply.
• Legal Advice and Guidance: Throughout the process, we provide legal advice tailored to your specific situation, explaining your rights, obligations, and the legal implications of spousal support decisions.
• Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: We guide you through alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, aiming to achieve a mutually agreeable spousal support arrangement without the need for lengthy court proceedings.

Your financial future may depend on the alimony order that comes out of your divorce. Sessums Law Group provides trustworthy representation for alimony disputes in Tampa and the greater Bay area. Please call (813) 212-8330 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our Tampa office. We also have offices in Lakeland, Sebring and Sarasota.