Understanding Alimony

Alimony, or spousal support, is a court-ordered payment made by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. In its simplest terms, the purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to a spouse who may have been financially dependent on the other during the marriage. If you are experiencing the dissolution of a marriage, it is important to know how alimony applies to you, as there is no “set formula” for how alimony is determined. Having an understanding of the process, as well as an experienced and compassionate legal team on your side can help to make the process as stress-free as possible.

In Boynton Beach, alimony is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration a variety of factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the earning potential of each spouse. The Florida statute regulating alimony now provides more direction relating to the awarding of spousal support. Establishing alimony payments is vital in allowing you to move forward with the next chapter in your life.

There are several types of alimony that can be awarded by a court in Boynton Beach, for example. Temporary alimony is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is intended to provide support for the spouse while the divorce is finalized. Rehabilitative alimony is intended to provide support while the recipient spouse obtains education or training to become self-sufficient. Permanent alimony, also known as lifelong alimony, is intended to provide support for the rest of the recipient’s life.

Understanding some of the factors a judge will consider when deciding alimony can help to ease your mind. Some of the things the court may consider include:

• The earning potential of both spouses
• The duration of the marriage
• The age and health of both spouses
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• Whether one spouse stayed at home to raise children or take care of the household, and if so, how long they were out of the workforce

It is important to note that alimony is a taxable event. This means that the person paying alimony must pay taxes on the alimony they pay, and the person receiving alimony must pay taxes on the alimony they receive.

Divorce brings with it a range of emotions and a plethora of new experiences and events to navigate through. It is undoubtedly a difficult time and those who are going through a divorce often feel alone, lost, or confused. It is vitally important during this time to have someone guiding you through the process and fighting on your behalf. Our skilled spousal support attorneys will navigate the system for you and work tirelessly on your unique situation.

If you are facing a divorce and are unsure about your rights and responsibilities, we are ready to work for you! We will compassionately handle your case and explain the process to you every step of the way. Visit our Facebook page or give us a call at 561.430.4121 to rest assured you have the best team in your corner!