Alimony & Spousal Support Attorney Services in Palm Beach Gardens

At the Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford, we understand that alimony is a sensitive topic and can be stressful to deal with. We are committed to providing compassionate and professional guidance throughout the process. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and help you understand your options.

What is Alimony?

Alimony is a form of support paid by one spouse to another. Alimony is not appropriate in every divorce case. One spouse must have a need for alimony, and the other spouse must have the ability to pay alimony.

Whether you are seeking or opposing an alimony award in your divorce, we have the knowledge, skill, and experience to represent your interests and help you achieve a fair outcome that meets your needs.

Different Kinds of Alimony in Florida

According to Florida law on alimony, there are several different types of alimony (also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance) which may be granted in a divorce. The different types of alimony in Florida are:

  • Temporary Alimony – This type of alimony is paid during the divorce process and intended to provide financial support to the spouse who needs it while the divorce is pending.

  • Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – This type of alimony can be awarded to allow one party to transition from being married to being single and is designed to assist a spouse with legitimate, identifiable short-term needs. The length of a Bridge-the-Gap alimony award may not exceed 2 years.

  • Rehabilitative Alimony – This form of alimony may be awarded to assist a party in establishing the capacity for self-support through education, training, work experience, employment skills, or credentials.

  • Durational Alimony – Durational alimony is alimony that is awarded for a certain length of time, as deemed appropriate by the court, but cannot exceed the length of the marriage.

Contact Us Today

Cindy brings decades of experience to the table, frequently resolving alimony and spousal support matters. Her team’s track record of success is built upon a deep commitment to advocating for your rights and securing outcomes that align with your best interests. When looking for an alimony lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens to represent you, you can be sure that Cindy and her team’s proficiency ensures that you will receive knowledgeable and dedicated representation every step of the way whether negotiating settlement or litigating in court.

How is Alimony Determined by
Florida Courts?

Once the court finds that one spouse has a need for alimony and the other spouse has the ability to pay alimony, the judge will consider the following factors in determining the type of alimony to award, the length of the alimony award and the amount of alimony to award:

  • The duration of the marriage,

  • The standard of living established during the marriage,

  • The age, physical and emotional condition of each party,

  • The financial resources of each party, including the nonmarital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each,

  • The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties and, when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment,

  • The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party,

  • The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common,

  • Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.

It is important to understand that alimony laws can be complex and vary from one case to another. Florida statutes, such as Section 61.08, lay out specific guidelines that judges may consider when determining alimony, but the application of these guidelines depends on the nuances of each individual situation. 

By comprehensively understanding how these laws are applied, we help our clients effectively prepare for any legal proceeding that involves alimony. Our professional team is diligent in examining all angles, gathering necessary documentation, and presenting a well-rounded case to strive for a fair outcome. We provide personalized service by focusing on the details of your specific scenario, ensuring your voice is heard and represented adequately throughout the alimony negotiation or dispute process.

Can Alimony Be Modified After It Is Ordered?

Yes, generally alimony can be modified after it is initially ordered if there is a substantial change in the circumstances of either party. Such changes may include alterations in income, employment status, health conditions, or other significant factors affecting financial standing. Modifications require a legal process and documented support to demonstrate the change in circumstances to the court. At The Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford, we assist clients in both pursuing and defending against modification requests, ensuring you receive fair treatment based on current situations and not past conditions.

What Happens If Alimony Payments Are Missed?

Yes, generally alimony can be modified after it is initially ordered if there is a substantial change in the circumstances of either party. Such changes may include alterations in income, employment status, health conditions, or other significant factors affecting financial standing. Modifications require a legal process and documented support to demonstrate the change in circumstances to the court. At The Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford, we assist clients in both pursuing and defending against modification requests, ensuring you receive fair treatment based on current situations and not past conditions.

Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions

Several statutory factors guide Florida courts in determining the type, amount, and duration of alimony:

  • Duration of the marriage: Courts evaluate how long the marriage lasted, which is calculated from the date the marriage began until the date of the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. There are three main categories:

    • Short-term marriage: a marriage lasting less than 10 years.

    • Moderate-term marriage: a marriage lasting between 10 and 20 years.

    • Long-term marriage: a marriage lasting 20 years or longer.

  • Standard of living during the marriage: The lifestyle enjoyed by the couple during their marriage is assessed to determine the appropriate level of alimony that would allow the recipient spouse to maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. This includes things like vacations, cars owned or leased, places where parties shopped, restaurants frequented by parties, and memberships in clubs and associations, among other considerations.

  • Age, physical, mental, and emotional condition of each party: These factors influence the individual's ability to earn income based on their health and age-related limitations. The Court will consider any limitations or challenges posed to a party, including advanced age, physical capabilities related to employment, health conditions preventing or affecting their ability to work, and mental health issues preventing or reducing employability.

  • Financial resources and earning capacities: The court examines the financial resources, including income, assets, and liabilities, of each spouse. Earning capacities are also assessed to determine if one spouse requires financial support and if the other spouse has the ability to provide it given a long-standing history of employment, possessing certain skill sets, as well as possessing advanced degrees, licenses, or certificates.

  • Contributions to the marriage, such as homemaking or childcare: Non-financial contributions made by each spouse, such as homemaking, childcare, or support in advancing the other spouse's career, are evaluated as they can impact the economic circumstances of both parties post-divorce. Courts will take into consideration where one party has the ability to re-enter the workforce but has been away for a substantial amount of time to contribute to the home and marriage.

  • Responsibilities for minor children: The court considers the responsibilities of each spouse towards minor children from the marriage, including timesharing arrangements and child support obligations, which can affect their financial needs and ability to pay or receive alimony. The Court also considers the involvement and contributions of the parents in the children’s lives, including schooling, extra-curricular responsibilities, healthcare costs, and caretaking for physical or mental conditions.

  • Any other factors deemed relevant by the court: Courts have discretion to consider additional factors that may affect the financial circumstances or needs of the parties, ensuring that all relevant aspects of the marriage and post-divorce financial situation are taken into account.

These factors collectively guide judges in making alimony decisions that are fair and tailored to the specific circumstances of each divorce case, aiming to achieve financial equity and stability for both parties involved. These are used by a spousal support attorney to craft compelling arguments on your behalf and maximize the fairest amount of support you can receive.

Modifying and Terminating Alimony in Florida

Alimony orders may be modified or terminated under certain circumstances, including substantial changes in finances, cohabitation or a supportive relationship, remarriage, and death.

Retaining The Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford

Picking an alimony lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens and Northern Palm Beach can be daunting with so many options. Choosing The Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford for your family law and alimony needs offers a personalized experience that sets her apart. With Cindy’s team, you receive dedicated one-on-one attention, ensuring your concerns are heard and addressed with individualized care.

Cindy and her team’s extensive knowledge and experience in family law, specifically in handling alimony cases, span over many years. This specialized practice means you benefit from insights and strategies honed through handling a wide range of complex situations.

Cindy's approach is client-centered, emphasizing compassionate guidance and steadfast support throughout the legal process. She understands the emotional challenges that can accompany family law matters and strives to provide not only legal expertise but also empathy and understanding.

Whether you are navigating divorce proceedings, seeking fair alimony arrangements, or addressing post-divorce modifications, The Law Office of Cindy A. Crawford offers a reassuring presence backed by a solid reputation for achieving favorable outcomes. Their commitment to each client's unique needs ensures that you receive the attention and advocacy necessary to move forward with confidence during challenging times.

If you’re looking for a locally known and trusted spousal support attorney or alimony lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens, set up a consultation today by submitting the form below or calling our office to speak to a team member at 561-894-9050.

Feel free to browse our other pages and resources for more insights into family law and legal tips, including: Dissolution of Marriage, Divorce Mediation, Child Support, and Equitable Distribution. For more information about Cindy and her team, visit Meet the Team.

To stay in touch, follow us on social media!

@thelawofficeofcindycrawford on Instagram

@CindyCrawfordLaw on Facebook

Note: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, please consult with one of our qualified attorneys.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Alimony and Spousal Support

  • Alimony, or spousal support, is a financial payment from one spouse to another during or after a divorce to help maintain a similar standard of living as enjoyed during the marriage.

  • Alimony is determined based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial resources, and their standard of living during the marriage.

  • The types include temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational. Since 2023, Florida no longer awards permanent alimony.

  • Yes, alimony can be modified or terminated under certain conditions, such as changes in financial circumstances, death of a party, or the recipient's remarriage.

  • Courts consider the need for alimony, the ability to pay, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the age and health of each party, among other factors.

  • The duration of alimony varies depending on the type awarded. Temporary alimony lasts during the divorce process, while durational alimony depends on the length of the marriage. Rehabilitative alimony is capped at five (5) years. Bridge-the-gap alimony is capped at two (2) years..

  • As of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, alimony payments are no longer deductible by the payer nor taxable to the recipient for divorces finalized after December 31, 2018.

  • Yes, alimony can be awarded to either spouse, regardless of gender, based on financial need and the other spouse's ability to pay.

  • Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to support a spouse while they gain the education or training necessary to become self-sufficient.

  • Contact an experienced alimony attorney to discuss the changes in your circumstances and to file a modification request with the court.