Tampa Alimony Attorney

Advocating for Your Rights & Best Interests in Wesley Chapel & Tampa

Alimony is an allowance that one spouse pays to the other for maintenance and support during separation, divorce proceedings, or after divorce. Alimony awards have changed drastically in the last 30 years, as our society has moved from the norm of one-income households to the general expectation that both spouses are working and financially contributing during the marriage.

Although there have been changes, every marriage is different, and the courts still have significant discretion in determining awards. Whether you are seeking to minimize or maximize an alimony award, the presentation of the facts of your situation is very important – both in negotiation and litigation.

Are you looking for legal assistance for your alimony matter? Call Devolder Law Firm today at (813) 773-8233 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our alimony lawyers in Tampa & Wesley Chapel.

Types of Alimony in Florida

In Florida, there are several types of alimony:

1. Alimony pendente lite - is also known as suit money and can be requested by either party during a divorce. This temporary award helps the recipient maintain their existing living arrangements and sometimes to even pay for the attorney who will represent them in the divorce. A person who makes significantly less than their spouse, who has been a homemaker or has been otherwise dependent on their spouse, CAN still pursue a divorce and be represented on equal footing with the wage-earner by seeking this form of temporary support.
2. Bridge-the-gap alimony - is a short-term award designed to help the recipient transition from being married to being single. Bridge-the-gap alimony payments may not last more than 2 years and are non-modifiable. This form of alimony terminates upon the death or remarriage of the parties.
3. Rehabilitative alimony - is also a short-term award. It is designed to help the recipient obtain the education or work experience necessary to support themselves in the future. This award is limited in time and comes along with an education or training plan. The alimony amount is modifiable if there is a substantial change in circumstances for either party. This form of alimony terminates upon the death of either party, remarriage of the recipient, or if the recipient fails to follow the plan.
4. Durational alimony - This is generally for short-term marriages (less than 10 years) to moderate-term marriages (between 10 and 20 years). Durational alimony is awarded for a set period of time not to exceed the length of the marriage.

How Florida Courts Determine Alimony

The court primarily examines the recipient’s need and the payor’s ability to pay. The court will also consider certain factors as they apply to each spouse, including:

• Age
• Health: physical/mental/emotional
• Earnings and earning capacity
• Education
• Periods of unemployment
• Whether either party has been primary caretaker of the children
• The age of the children
• The assets of the parties

The alimony attorney at Devolder Law Firm can help you identify the legally important facts within your marital history and will work to achieve an alimony award that favors your goals.

Why Choose Devolder Law Firm for Your Alimony Needs

We begin by listening. Next, we ask questions to make sure we have all the information we need to understand and tell your story. We will discuss best and worst-case scenarios, and you will choose how to move forward. Most importantly, we are on your side.

We want our clients to know that they while they get our honest advice within our office, and we may seek to manage their expectations within those walls, they will receive the most zealous representation in putting forward their positions in negotiations and litigation. We think of every client like a family member that needs our help and protection.

Contact Our Tampa Alimony Lawyers Today for Support

More than just litigators, the Tampa alimony attorney at the Devolder Law Firm are skilled in finding creative solutions that protect and promote the legitimate interests of both sides when using alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Contact Devolder Law Firm today to get in touch with our Tampa alimony attorneys.