West Palm Beach Spousal Support Lawyer

West Palm Beach Spousal Support Attorney

Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be a key consideration in a divorce case in Florida. Spousal support cases can be settled through mediation and other alternative dispute resolutions, as well as through litigation through the Unified Family Court, which is a part of the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in Palm Beach County. Either way, it’s wise to work with a West Palm Beach spousal support lawyer.

Rosalie M. Cruz at Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz P.A. has been navigating complex family legal matters in Palm Beach County and beyond for years. As a knowledgeable West Palm Beach family lawyer, she knows how to navigate state spousal support laws and provide the comprehensive advocacy you need to make it through your case.

Spousal Support Cases in West Palm Beach

Florida ranks among states with higher divorce rates than the national average at 3.0 per 1,000 people. Last year, 7,000 people got divorced in Palm Beach County alone. In West Palm Beach, approximately 12 percent of men and 16 percent of women have been divorced. It’s estimated that about 42 percent of the population is currently married.

In some cases where spouses separate, an imbalance is created due to the shift in financial and living situations. Florida’s spousal support laws give individuals a chance to secure the support they need during and after a divorce. You can expect judges to look at several different factors to determine alimony needs in a spousal support case, including:

• Financial need
• Future earning potential
• Length of marriage
• Standard of living
• Any unique facts about your case

Under Florida law, your marriage can be classified as short-term, moderate-term, or long-term depending on how long you were married. For the purposes of spousal support, the following is presumed:

• < 10 years = short-term marriage
• 10–20 years = moderate-term marriage
• 20+ years = long-term marriage

It’s also important to note that durational alimony won’t be awarded if a marriage lasted less than three years. A West Palm Beach spousal support attorney can help you navigate all these rules regarding alimony in Florida, so you can secure the support you need.

Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer

Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz P.A. has years of experience navigating complex legal matters throughout West Palm Beach and beyond. We’re deeply familiar with Florida’s spousal support laws and offer a client-centered approach to help our clients reach a fair outcome for their case.

You can count on our team to offer clear communication, strategic advocacy, and unwavering support through every stage of your case. We proudly serve South Florida, including local Spanish-speaking communities. As the lead attorney of a local law firm, Rosalie M. Cruz is committed to protecting local community members and providing the honest representation they deserve.

FAQs

When Is Spousal Support Awarded in Divorces in West Palm Beach?

Spousal support is awarded in divorces in West Palm Beach when one spouse demonstrates a clear need for financial support and the other spouse has the means to provide it. There are different types of spousal support to consider depending on the details of your case. The court may order spousal support to be paid for the duration of the divorce to help maintain a sense of normalcy during the separation. Other types are ordered after the divorce is finalized.

What Types of Alimony Are Recognized in Florida?

The types of alimony that are recognized in Florida are temporary alimony, rehabilitative alimony, durational alimony, and bridge-the-gap alimony. Temporary alimony supports one spouse during divorce proceedings. Bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative alimony are both meant to assist a spouse in their transition to single life, but the limits and rules are a bit different for each. Durational alimony is a longer form of spousal support. It is rewarded for a set period but can be terminated if circumstances change.

What Happens if My Spouse Is Refusing to Pay Alimony in West Palm Beach?

What happens if your spouse refuses to pay alimony in West Palm Beach is that you can enforce the order through the court. By holding the other party in contempt of court, you can receive the support you’re owed. They may also face additional legal fees and consequences. The court may order wage garnishment or property liens to satisfy the spousal support payments. You cannot withhold child custody or visitation rights from a parent who does not pay alimony.

How Can a West Palm Beach Spousal Support Lawyer Help With My Case?

How a West Palm Beach spousal support lawyer can help with your case is ultimately up to you. When you hire a spousal support lawyer, you can count on them to support you through every stage of your case. They can represent your interests through negotiations and in the courtroom if necessary. Moreover, they can help you navigate complicated spousal support laws, so you can build a strong case and secure the support you deserve.

West Palm Beach Spousal Support Lawyer

Navigating a divorce can be complicated, even when you and your spouse are trying to stay on the same page. When alimony gets introduced to the conversation, matters can become contentious. It’s wise to hire a spousal support lawyer to help you navigate difficult conversations and represent your interests in and out of the courtroom.

Law Office of Rosalie M. Cruz P.A. has been navigating complex legal matters throughout West Palm Beach and beyond for years. We’re deeply familiar with Florida’s spousal support laws, and we’re committed to helping our clients secure the support they are rightfully owed throughout the divorce process or as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail with a trusted West Palm Beach spousal support lawyer, come and visit us at our office in Palm Springs. We’re located on South Congress Avenue near I-95, making an easy trip for our clients. Contact the office to arrange an initial consultation with an attorney you can trust today.