Alimony
Alimony provides financial support from one spouse to the other during or after a divorce, helping address income disparities and allowing both parties to maintain financial stability as they transition to separate households.
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, our family law attorneys represent both paying and receiving spouses in alimony matters, from initial determinations to later modifications. We help clients pursue fair outcomes based on their financial circumstances and the length of the marriage.
What this service includes
- Initial alimony determinations
- Bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent alimony
- Alimony calculations based on income and need
- High-asset and complex financial alimony matters
- Alimony modifications due to changed circumstances
- Termination of alimony upon remarriage or cohabitation
- Enforcement of unpaid alimony obligations
- Alimony provisions in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Mediation and negotiated alimony agreements
- Litigation and courtroom representation when disputes cannot be resolved
Our process
- Case analysis: Review both spouses’ income, marital lifestyle, and length of marriage to assess the case specifics.
- Legal filings: The alimony process begins when one spouse requests support as part of a divorce petition or a separate modification action.
- Negotiation and mediation: Many alimony matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, allowing spouses to reach terms without prolonged court involvement.
- Litigation and trial: If spouses cannot agree on the type, amount, or duration of alimony, the case may proceed to litigation, where a judge decides based on statutory factors.
- Final documentation: Finalize and provide clients with all necessary legal documents confirming the alimony order or agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an alimony case take?
Timelines vary depending on whether spouses agree on terms. An uncontested alimony agreement can sometimes be finalized within weeks, while contested cases may take several months or longer.
How is alimony determined in Florida?
Courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse’s financial needs and ability to pay.
Does Florida still award permanent alimony?
Permanent alimony was eliminated under Florida’s 2023 alimony reform law; current options include bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony.
Can alimony be changed later?
Yes. Either spouse can request a modification if there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances, such as job loss or retirement.
Does alimony end if the receiving spouse remarries?
Yes. Alimony generally terminates upon the remarriage of the receiving spouse, and may also terminate or be reduced due to a supportive cohabiting relationship.