Spousal Support & Alimony

South Florida Alimony Lawyer

A family court judge in Florida can award spousal support or alimony when one of the parties has a need and the other has an ability to pay. Pembroke Pines family law attorney Jerome Ventura is highly experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements, in enforcing these agreements, and in seeking alimony changes based on a change in circumstances.

There are three types of alimony in Florida:

• Temporary alimony. This is alimony paid during the time the divorce is pending.
• Rehabilitative alimony. This is typically paid when there is a disparity in income and one of the parties gave up an opportunity to advance his or her economic situation by supporting the career of the other party. The party receiving alimony must have a rehabilitative plan, such as going back to school or getting additional training.
• Permanent alimony. To receive permanent alimony, there must be a disparity of income, a sufficient length of marriage, and an unusual circumstance such as a health issue that would preclude the person's ability to support themselves in a similar style to which they had become accustomed.

Temporary and rehabilitative alimony are designed to end after a period of time. Permanent alimony will continue until the party receiving it remarries or dies. It is modifiable if there is a change in the financial circumstances of either party.

There are many factors that can affect whether alimony is awarded in Florida, and how much. One of those factors is the amount of child support payments that the party with higher income has to pay. The two parties can also agree to give one party a higher split in the marital assets in lieu of alimony.

Alimony is tax deductible for the person paying it and is taxable income for the person receiving it.

Attorney Jerome Ventura is ready and able to litigate your alimony issue or help you seek a mediated solution. For an initial limited consultation at no charge, call 954.438.2828 or complete the contact form on this web site. Evening appointments are available.