Boca Raton alimony attorneys at Johnson Ritchey Family Law help clients navigate Florida’s reformed spousal support laws, whether seeking alimony, defending against excessive payment requests, or modifying existing orders. Their team provides aggressive advocacy and compassionate guidance to protect your financial future after divorce.
Key Takeaways:
- Florida no longer awards permanent alimony; durational alimony is now capped at 75% of the length of the marriage for marriages lasting 20 or more years.
- Courts determine alimony by evaluating one spouse’s need for support and the other’s ability to pay, and then weighing factors such as standard of living, age, health, and contributions to the marriage.
- Existing alimony orders can be modified if you experience a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, or a significant shift in income.
When a marriage ends, one of the most pressing concerns is maintaining your standard of living. In Florida, spousal support (also known as alimony) is designed to ensure neither party faces an unfair financial deficit. However, navigating Florida’s alimony laws requires the guidance of Boca Raton alimony attorneys who understand the significant legislative reforms that recently reshaped the legal system.
At Johnson Ritchey Family Law, we understand that every dollar matters when you are rebuilding. Whether you are seeking support or concerned about the long-term impact of making payments, our team provides elite expertise and straightforward advice. We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive, ensuring you are never left wondering about your financial future.
Ready to protect your financial interests? Request a free case evaluation today.
Understanding the Different Types of Alimony In Florida
Florida law no longer allows for “Permanent Alimony.” Instead, the state emphasizes self-sufficiency and defined timeframes. Our Boca Raton alimony attorneys can help you determine which of the remaining categories applies to you:
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: A short-term solution (maximum two years) designed to handle immediate transitional needs like moving expenses.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: Covers costs for a spouse to gain specific training or education to become self-sufficient. This requires a court-approved plan and is capped at five years.
- Durational Alimony: Provides economic assistance for a set period. Under new laws, payments are strictly tied to the length of the marriage. For marriages of 20+ years, alimony cannot exceed 75% of the marriage’s duration.
How Florida Courts Determine Alimony Awards
Florida does not use a simple formula. Instead, a judge must determine: Does one spouse have an actual need for support, and does the other have the ability to pay?
If those criteria are met, the court evaluates factors such as:
- The standard of living established during the marriage
- The age and physical/emotional condition of each spouse
- Each party’s contribution to the marriage, including homemaking and parenting
- Financial resources available after the equitable distribution of assets
Because courts have significant discretion, a knowledgeable team of Boca Raton alimony attorneys adept at handling complex issues is essential to ensuring a fair outcome.
Why Choose Johnson Ritchey Family Law?
Navigating alimony is about future security. At Johnson Ritchey Family Law, we offer a personal experience backed by over 85 years of combined legal experience.
- Board-Certified Leadership: Our firm is led by a Board-Certified specialist, a distinction held by less than 10% of Florida lawyers. This reaffirms our commitment to exceptional representation and integrity.
- The Power of “And”: We combine Aggressive Advocacy AND Deep Compassion. We fight for your rights while providing a supportive, empathetic environment.
- Versatile Solutions: With an Accredited Collaborative Professional on our team, we offer cost-effective options from collaborative settlements to trial.
- A Team Approach: You are never a file number. We ensure that someone is always available to assist you and encourage your input throughout the process.
Modifying Your Existing Alimony Order
Life changes, and your court orders may need to change, too. If you have experienced a “substantial change in circumstances”, such as a job loss, retirement, or a significant income shift, you may be eligible for a modification.
Our trusted group of Boca Raton alimony attorneys is particularly skilled in these delicate requests. We guide you through the court petitioning process to obtain an adjustment that reflects your current reality.
Consult With Our Boca Raton Alimony Attorneys Today
Whether you are starting a divorce or need to revisit a support order, you don’t have to do it alone. We guarantee the absolute highest quality of work, providing a straightforward approach that focuses on your well-being and stability. Let our 85 years of combined experience work for you. Request your free case evaluation today!
