Understanding Alimony Options In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce

Getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale can have major impacts on every area of your life, including your finances. This is particularly true if your spouse earns more than you do, or if you sacrificed your career to support theirs or to raise children.

In this type of situation, Broward County Family Court judges may order alimony, also known as spousal support. There are four types of alimony available under Florida law. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney explains each type and how to protect your rights to these payments in court.

How Broward Court Family Courts Determine Alimony Payments

Divorce can be financially devastating, especially if your spouse was the primary breadwinner. Maybe you made less than them, worked part-time to provide for your children, or, rather than focusing on your career, you focused on theirs. Each of these situations can leave you financially vulnerable. Alimony helps level the playing field and can significantly impact divorce recovery.

Under Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes, judges can award different forms of alimony depending on each spouse’s need and ability to pay:

• Rehabilitative Alimony: This helps you gain the education, experience, or skills needed to become financially independent.
• Durational Alimony: As the name implies, this gets awarded for a set time period, such as while you raise children from the marriage.
• Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This helps you make the often difficult transition from married to single life.
• Temporary Alimony: The judge may order temporary alimony while your divorce is pending to help you through the initial adjustment period.

Keep in mind that the judge may consider any bad behavior on the part of your spouse in determining an amount. Likewise, if you had an affair or engaged in other marital misconduct, it could prevent you from getting alimony payments.

How to Protect Your Rights to Alimony in a Fort Lauderdale Divorce

To get alimony in a Fort Lauderdale divorce, it’s important to be prepared before walking into court. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Get legal help to determine the type of alimony you may be entitled to.
• If requesting rehabilitative or durational alimony, create a clear plan for its use.
• Be realistic and realize the court won’t award support that exceeds your spouse’s ability to pay.
• Consider how any marital property settlements might impact alimony arrangements.

Being prepared before stepping into court and knowing your rights regarding alimony payments helps you get the total amount you deserve.

Request a Consultation Today With An Experienced Fort Lauderdale Alimony Attorney

Alimony can help you financially recover from a divorce in Fort Lauderdale, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. In addition to your spouse’s income, Broward County judges consider your contributions to the marriage, your earning potential, and the reasons for the divorce before determining the type and amount that is fair.

To protect your rights in these proceedings, contact The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio. We provide the trusted legal help you need in negotiations and fight to protect your rights under state divorce laws. Request a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney today.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html