West Palm Beach Alimony Lawyer

West Palm Beach Alimony Attorney

Divorce can be one of the most difficult experiences to go through. This process can be further complicated when there are disputes regarding alimony. Often, a spouse is left unsure about the options they can pursue and how to obtain an equitable solution. At the Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A., our talented West Palm Beach alimony lawyer can assist you in defending your interests.

About Us

Rosalie M. Cruz is a passionate attorney who has been working with the people of West Palm Beach for years across a wide range of family law matters. As a skilled West Palm Beach family lawyer, she brings to her clients strong guidance and rigorous advocacy in representing their interests.

Alimony in Florida

In the state of Florida, alimony is financial assistance paid by one spouse to another following a divorce. State alimony laws are put in place to ensure that former spouses are able to maintain a standard of living comparable to what they had during the marriage. Family court and alimony issues can be pursued at the Palm Beach Family Court, located at 205 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401.

When deciding the appropriate application of alimony and its amount, court officials often consider factors such as each spouse’s capacity to earn a living, the fiscal and emotional contributions to the marriage and child-rearing, and the standard of living the marriage had during its lifetime.

The length of a marriage is another essential factor considered by the courts. According to Florida law, marriages fall into certain categories depending on how long they last. Marriages under ten years are considered “short-term,” while those between ten and twenty years are considered “moderate-term,” and those lasting over twenty years are designated “long-term.”

While it is not guaranteed, typically, longer marriages are more likely to have alimony awarded upon divorce.

Types of Alimony in FL

There are several types of alimony that can be awarded, and varying durations of payment that may accompany different kinds of alimony. They are as follows:

• Temporary Alimony: This is usually awarded during divorce proceedings to assist a spouse who would otherwise face financial hardship during that period.
• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This is a transitional form of alimony meant to help disadvantaged spouses make the change from married life to single life. This may include covering things such as assisting with housing and living expenses. This type of alimony is typically limited to a two-year period.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: Like Bridge-the-Gap alimony, this is meant to assist a spouse moving from married to single life by giving them time to secure skills or education that will lead them to become financially independent from their former spouse. This type of alimony includes a defined plan to become independent and may not exceed five years.
• Durational Alimony: This is awarded only for a set period of time, but is a longer-term form of alimony. It can be terminated if circumstances change, such as the death of a spouse or the remarriage of the recipient. Durational alimony cannot be applied if the marriage lasted less than three years.

Why Choose the Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A.?

As a dedicated West Palm Beach spousal support attorney, Rosalie M. Cruz understands that each alimony case is unique and tailors her services to meet the needs of the client. With results-driven guidance, she can offer experienced counsel on how to obtain an equitable outcome for all involved.

With years of family law experience, Rosalie M. Cruz understands the complexities that often accompany family law matters and will stand by your side to ensure your interests are advocated for. She is dedicated to ensuring her clients fully understand their rights and options to make informed decisions about the things that matter most to them.

FAQs

Is it Worth Fighting for Alimony?

Yes, it is worth pursuing alimony. State laws regarding alimony are in place for the purpose of easing the burden that divorce can bring to divorcing spouses, and, depending on the circumstances, are appropriate for an equitable divorce. Divorce brings many changes to life, one of which may be an increased financial burden. An appropriate and fair alimony can help mitigate these difficulties.

What Is the Average Length of Alimony in Florida?

Because there are different types of alimony, there is no “average” length of time alimony is paid in Florida. There are circumstances where the duration of alimony has a fixed time period, such as in Bridge-the-Gap alimony, which cannot last longer than two years. Because of the variety of types of alimony, it is important to understand which might apply to your own unique circumstances.

What Are the Grounds for Alimony in Florida?

The grounds for alimony are various. Typically, courtroom officials will consider the relative earning potential of each spouse, the quality of life shared, and the different contributions each made during the lifetime of the marriage, and its length. Courts have broad discretion when deciding how and when alimony should be awarded, and typically will come to conclusions on a case-by-case basis.

Is it True You Automatically Get Alimony After 17 Years of Marriage in Florida?

No, it is not true that you are automatically awarded alimony if the marriage lasted 17 years. However, if a marriage lasted that amount of time or longer, it is considered a “moderate-term” marriage, and thus more likely to be awarded alimony than a short-term marriage. The duration of the marriage is only one factor of many that is considered when determining alimony in Florida.

Hire a West Palm Beach Spousal Support Lawyer

While pursuing alimony may seem like an overwhelming task, you are not alone. About 7,000 couples in Palm Beach County were divorced last year, and alimony is a common aspect of divorce proceedings. Whether you find yourself at the end of a short-term, mid-term, or long-term marriage, it is wise to hire a spousal support lawyer. The Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz, P.A., can assist you with your alimony needs and questions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.