Sarasota Alimony Attorney

If you are going through a divorce or considering filing, you have a lot on your mind, especially when it comes to your financial stability. One of the most important and most stressful aspects of ending a marriage is figuring out whether alimony will come into play.

Whether you’re worried about making ends meet or being ordered to pay more than you can afford, a Sarasota alimony attorney can help you work toward a favorable outcome.

You need more than just legal answers at this point in your life. At Titan Law, we are your advocate and understand what’s at stake for you and your future.

Alimony in Florida

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is court-ordered financial payments made from one spouse to another after or during the divorce process. Under Florida law, there are several types of alimony. These payments ensure that both parties can maintain a standard of living reasonably close to what was established during the marriage.

Alimony Types in Florida

As of July 1, 2023, Florida enacted significant reforms to its alimony laws. One of the biggest changes was the elimination of permanent alimony. But that doesn’t mean a spouse will not qualify for some financial arrangement. Several types of alimony can be awarded in the Sunshine State:

• Temporary alimony: This is granted during the divorce proceedings. It helps the lower-earning spouse cover immediate living expenses until a final judgment is entered.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony: This is a short-term type of support that does not exceed 2 years. It helps a spouse transition from marriage to a single life. This alimony covers identifiable short-term needs, such as securing housing or employment.
• Rehabilitative alimony: This is intended to assist a spouse in acquiring the education, training, or work experience necessary for self-sufficiency. The court must create and approve a rehabilitative plan.
• Durational alimony: This provides financial assistance for a set period following a marriage of short or moderate duration. The length of durational alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage.

With the current changes to the system, obtaining alimony can be a challenging process. For that reason, you will want to work with a Sarasota alimony attorney who understands the updated statutes and can apply them to your situation.

How Do Florida Courts Award Alimony?

Being granted alimony in Florida is never automatic. Plus, numerous factors will determine whether a spouse is eligible and how much they can receive. These factors include:

• Length of the marriage: Florida categorizes marriages into short-term (under 10 years), moderate-term (10–20 years), and long-term (over 20 years). As you can imagine, spouses in longer marriages often argue for more substantial or longer-term support.
• Standard of living during the marriage: In many cases, the courts will try to allow both spouses to maintain a lifestyle close to what they enjoyed during the marriage.
• Age and health of each spouse: The physical and emotional health can impact earning potential and, in turn, a person’s financial needs.
• Earning capacity and education: A spouse’s education, job skills, and employability also determine the ability to pay and the need for support.
• Contributions to the marriage: Contributions are not just financial. The courts will consider raising children, managing the home, and supporting a spouse’s education or career when awarding alimony.

Any of these factors can be used to build a strong case in your favor. At Titan Law, we can present your case to the courts. Whether you need support from the other spouse or don’t feel you need to pay for your ex’s lifestyle, we are here to assist with these issues.

Can You Modify or Terminate Alimony?

Life changes. Sometimes, those settled spousal support payments must be modified. Fortunately, Florida law recognizes that alimony may need to be revisited. You may be eligible for a modification or termination of your alimony arrangement due to:

• Substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, or a significant increase or decrease in income
• Retirement of the paying spouse
• Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse, especially in cases involving supportive relationships

However, the burden of proof rests on the party requesting the change. If you are requesting a modification, you need to show that one of these changes is in your life. Petitioning the court can be difficult, and it often involves notifying the other spouse and a court hearing. If you are looking to protect your interests, you need a skilled alimony attorney in Sarasota to stand by your side throughout the process.

When You May Need a Sarasota Alimony Attorney

Alimony can quickly become one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce. This part of the divorce deals directly with money, lifestyle, and long-term financial obligations.

Even in divorces that start amicably, disagreements over spousal support can raise tensions. Emotions run high, and mistrust can creep in when there is uncertainty about the future.

Here are some of the most common alimony disputes we see at Titan Law:

Disagreements Over Income

A common source of tension is when one spouse believes the other is misrepresenting their income. This may involve:

• Underreporting income for self-employed individuals or business owners
• Deliberate reduction of income in an attempt to lower or avoid alimony
• Failing to disclose bonuses, commissions, or investment returns

In many cases, income is more complicated than receiving a paycheck. For example, one spouse may receive irregular compensation, own rental properties, or hold investments. We can thoroughly review tax records, business documents, and financial statements to determine each spouse’s actual earning capacity.

Lifestyle Discrepancies

Another flashpoint is disagreement over the couple’s standard of living during the marriage. Florida courts consider lifestyle as a factor in determining alimony, especially when one spouse is trying to maintain a similar quality of life post-divorce.

But lifestyle can be subjective. One person may describe the marriage as “comfortable,” while the other insists it was “luxurious.” Disputes can arise over:

• How frequently the couple traveled
• The type of home they lived in
• Spending patterns on dining, clothing, entertainment, and education
• Use of household help or private services

Many times, one spouse may feel they sacrificed a career to support the household, while the other resents the idea of funding a lifestyle they believe is excessive.

Our Sarasota alimony attorney can help document the marital standard of living using credit card statements, bank records, and lifestyle affidavits to build an evidence-based case.

Duration Disputes

Even when spouses agree that some form of alimony is appropriate, disputes arise over how long support should be paid. Since the changes in 2023, these issues have become more common:

• Whether rehabilitative or durational alimony is more appropriate
• Disagreement over the time needed to complete job training or education
• Whether the recipient spouse is making a genuine effort to become self-sufficient
• Concerns that support is being used as a “lifelong subsidy” rather than a temporary bridge

Fortunately, judges have clearer limits on how long alimony can be awarded based on the length of the marriage, but that does not mean there is always agreement.

Failure to Comply with Alimony Orders

Unfortunately, even after an alimony award is finalized, problems can continue. Some common enforcement issues include:

• Non-payment or late payment of alimony
• Refusal to pay the full amount ordered
• Disputes over whether certain forms of support count as alimony

Failure to comply with a court-ordered alimony arrangement can result in severe consequences, including contempt of court, wage garnishment, liens against property, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.

If you are the spouse owed support, we can file a motion for enforcement and pursue penalties if your former spouse fails to comply.

Additionally, if you struggle to meet your obligation due to job loss, health issues, or other life changes, an attorney can help you seek a modification before you fall behind and face legal consequences.

Whether seeking support, disputing a claim, or trying to modify an existing order, the right legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Sarasota

We are here to help answer some of your questions regarding spousal support in the state:

How long does alimony last in Sarasota?

The duration depends on the type of alimony awarded. Bridge-the-gap is capped at two years, rehabilitative is tied to a specific plan, and durational alimony is limited to the length of the marriage.

Can I waive alimony in a prenuptial agreement?

Yes, Florida law allows couples to waive alimony in a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. However, the waiver must be voluntary, in writing, and not unconscionable.

What if my ex stops paying alimony?

You can petition the court to enforce the order. A judge may issue sanctions, such as wage garnishment, liens, or even incarceration for noncompliance.

Does adultery affect alimony?

Florida is a no-fault divorce state, but adultery can impact alimony if it involves financial misconduct, such as using marital funds to support an affair.