Spousal Support Attorneys In Fort Myers, Florida
Divorce can bring uncertainty about your financial future. Spousal support decisions can leave you second-guessing yourself. Our attorneys at Patrick McLain Law understand the hurdles this period may bring. They guide residents of Fort Myers, Lee County and surrounding communities through Florida’s alimony laws. We take an approach of compassionate help and personalized attention.
Florida alimony laws can be complex. That’s why our team works to protect your financial interests while supporting you through every step of the process. We build lasting bonds with our clients and provide the advocacy you deserve during this ordeal.
Types Of Alimony Under Florida Law
On July 1, 2023, Florida no longer recognizes permanent alimony in family law, regardless of how long a marriage lasted. Instead, judges can award limited types of spousal support:
- Temporary: The receiving party gets support funds while the divorce is underway.
- Bridge-the-gap: This helps the receiving spouse adjust from a married to a single income household, capped at a maximum of two years. Florida law prohibits modification of the amount or duration and terminates the alimony upon death of either party or remarriage of the recipient.
- Rehabilitative: This assists a receiving spouse to get education and develop skills for earning income, capped at a maximum of five years and must come with a self-sufficiency plan. Courts may allow modification due to substantial change in circumstances or noncompliance. Judges may order for termination when the recipient completes their plan early.
- Durational: This economic assistance has a fixed period, ranging from 50% to 75% of the marriage length The amount must not exceed the recipient’s justifiable needs or 35% of the difference in net incomes between parties, whichever is lower. Marriages under three years are not eligible for this alimony type.
The courts decide on alimony terms based on various statutory factors. These include, but are not limited to, marriage duration, established standard of living, financial recourses and childcare.
Florida law protects the payor by ensuring an alimony award doesn’t leave them with significantly less net income than the recipient. However, the court may change this due to written findings of exceptional circumstances.
How We Support Your Financial Future
Our Fort Myers legal team approaches each spousal support case with hands-on care. We know the emotional and financial stakes involved in alimony determinations. Our attorneys work diligently to:
- Gather comprehensive financial documentation
- Present compelling evidence supporting your position
- Negotiate effectively with opposing counsel
- Advocate vigorously in court when necessary
We combine a family-oriented approach with strategic legal advocacy to protect your family’s interests.
Protect Your Financial Future
Our Fort Myers family law attorneys provide the compassionate guidance and skilled representation you need. Call Patrick McLain Law at 239-737-3735 today to schedule a confidential consultation about your alimony or spousal support case in Fort Myers, Lee County or the surrounding area.