How Alimony Can Help You Recover From A Fort Lauderdale Divorce

One of the most difficult things about getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale is that, in addition to the complex emotions surrounding the situation, it can be financially draining as well.
Property and assets you worked hard to accumulate over your years together are divided between you and your spouse. However, if you relied on their income, you may be wondering how you will support yourself after your divorce is final. Find out how alimony can help you recover in the aftermath and whether you may be entitled to these payments.
Your Rights To Alimony In A Broward County Divorce
Filing for a divorce, dealing with potentially contentious legal proceedings in the Broward County Family Court, and then starting over with your life after getting a final divorce order is always challenging. Unfortunately, money is likely to be one of your primary concerns.
Adjusting to your life as a newly divorced person and making a budget for yourself can prove difficult. This is particularly true if your spouse was the family’s primary breadwinner or made significantly more than you. Fortunately, alimony payments in Fort Lauderdale may be available and can provide the safety net you need. Factors that impact your rights to these payments include:
- The length of time you have been married;
- Your own and your spouse’s income;
- The amount of premarital assets each of you had;
- Whether you sacrificed your career for theirs or to raise your family;
- If either you or your spouse engaged in marital misconduct.
If your spouse is guilty of affairs or other bad behavior, the judge may be more likely to award you alimony payments. However, if you were engaged in marital misconduct, it could prevent you from getting an alimony award in your settlement.
Common Types of Alimony In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
The Florida Statutes underwent revisions over the past few years that tightened laws pertaining to alimony payments and circumstances in which it may be awarded. However, there are still several types of alimony you may be entitled to:
- Durational alimony, which helps you adjust to life post-divorce and varies in length depending on how long you were married. For a short-term marriage, durational alimony may be awarded for up to 50 percent of your total years together. For long-term marriages, this increases to 75 percent.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony, which can help while you stay home to take care of small children or reenter the workforce. This type of alimony is available for two years.
- Rehabilitative alimony, which helps you obtain the experience, education, or skills needed to support yourself and is available for five years or longer after your divorce.
To Protect Your Rights, Request A Consultation Today With Our Fort Lauderdale Alimony Attorney
Alimony can play a major role in recovering financially after a divorce. To protect your rights to these payments, request a consultation with Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney Sandra Bonfiglio. She can review your case and advise you on the legal options available. Give us a call or contact our office online today.
Sources:
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html