Alimony and Spousal Support

Couples who are divorcing often wonder whether they will be entitled to receive, or will need to pay, alimony and spousal support. In Florida, alimony is not automatically awarded and is based on a variety of factors, including the length of the marriage, income levels of both spouses, earning capacity of the spouses, the existence of prenuptial agreements, and others. Additionally, Florida child support can become a contested component of a divorce.

Highly Informed Representation

Charles D. Jamieson has expertly represented the best interests of his clients for over 30 years. He has a wide range of knowledge and experience, and continually educates himself in all matters relating to alimony and spousal support. This benefits clients in the most complex cases where large estates, asset protection, and other monetary issues may be involved. An avid proponent of continuing education in the various aspects of family law, Mr. Jamieson has been a frequent guest presenter at seminars on divorce related issues within the state of Florida and elsewhere. Listening carefully to his clients’ priorities helps him articulate their needs to the family law court to protect their lifestyle.

Alimony and Spousal Support in Florida

Alimony and spousal support is unlike child support; no statutory alimony guidelines exist in Florida. Instead, alimony is based primarily on the needs of the spouse requesting spousal support and the ability of the spouse with superior earning capacity to pay.

There are several forms of alimony available, including permanent periodic alimony, where a spouse receives alimony for the duration of his or her single life. Rehabilitative alimony may be awarded when a spouse needs help to pursue a long-term goal, such as education, which will result in more income. To assist in the transition from marriage to single life, “bridge the gap” alimony is sometimes awarded. Lump sum alimony is sometimes awarded to the spouse with less earning capacity. For mid-term marriages (from 7 to 17 years), a spouse may receive alimony for a term of time which may last up to a maximum equal to the length of the marriage.