Alimony

West Palm Beach Alimony Lawyers

Experienced Spousal Support Attorneys Serving Palm Beach County, FL

Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, can be one of the most contentious aspects of a Florida divorce.

Alimony is the financial support one spouse provides to the other during or after a divorce. The overall purpose of alimony is to lessen the economic impact of divorce on the spouse who is less financially independent or has stayed home to raise children while the other spouse worked.

It aims to ensure that both parties maintain a standard of living close to what they enjoyed during the marriage and to provide financial parity between the spouses.

At Beebe Law, Abigail Beebe brings 17 years of exclusive experience handling divorce and family law cases to the table, working to ensure fair and just results. As a certified Marital and Family Law Specialist, her in-depth understanding of Florida law is instrumental in building compelling cases for those seeking and contesting this financial support.

When you partner with our firm, your contributions to the marriage will not be minimized. Nor will claims to the contrary be legitimized. We use a team of investigative, forensic accounting and other supporting professionals to help make the case for fairness.

Request a confidential consultation with a West Palm Beach alimony attorney by calling Beebe Law at (561) 677-9147 or use our convenient online contact form.

Alimony Factors in Florida

In Florida, alimony (or spousal support) can be awarded in divorce cases to help one spouse maintain financial stability post-divorce. Courts consider several factors before determining if alimony is appropriate and, if so, the amount and duration. The primary considerations include:

Length of Marriage: Florida categorizes marriages as short-term (less than 7 years), moderate-term (7-17 years), and long-term (17+ years). Longer marriages are more likely to result in longer-lasting alimony.

Financial Resources: The court examines each spouse’s assets, income, and financial needs. A significant income disparity between spouses may increase the likelihood of an alimony award.

Earning Capacity and Employment History: Both spouses are assessed based on education, work history, and future employment prospects.

Standard of Living: The standard of living established during the marriage is often factored in to help the receiving spouse maintain a similar lifestyle, if feasible.

Contributions to the Marriage: Contributions as a homemaker, childcare provider, or in supporting the other spouse’s career are also considered.

Florida allows several types of alimony, each tailored to the unique circumstances of the case. When divorce proceedings are underway, spouses can prepare better for alimony considerations by understanding these factors.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Several types of alimony are available in Florida, each designed to meet different needs:

Temporary alimony: This is awarded to provide financial assistance during the divorce process. It ends when the final judgment is issued.
Bridge-the-gap alimony: Designed to help a spouse transition from being married to being single, this support lasts for a short time and does not usually exceed two years.
Rehabilitative alimony: This alimony supports a spouse who needs education or job training to become self-sufficient. It requires a specific plan, such as a course of study or a vocational training program, and can only generally last up to five years.
Durational alimony: This is awarded when permanent periodic maintenance is inappropriate. This alimony cannot be longer than the duration of the marriage.
Permanent alimony: Formerly awarded in long-term marriages, this type of alimony was eliminated in 2023 by the Florida legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis. It also includes provisions for alimony agreement modifications for payors who wish to retire.

Under Florida statute, those seeking alimony have the burden of proof of demonstrating their need for this financial support and their spouse’s ability to pay for it.

Alimony can also be impacted by valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreements that have predetermined the issue.

Request a confidential consultation with a West Palm Beach alimony attorney by calling Beebe Law at (561) 677-9147 or use our convenient online contact form.

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You're Our Priority

At Beebe Law, we care about your case and we keep you informed at every step.

"Great Experience"
She handled my case professionally and with my interests and best options in mind. Promptly responded to questions and made sure I understood what to expect during the whole divorce process.

- Former Client
"Exceptional Work"
Abby and her great staff helped me through a very difficult divorce. Her advice and work are exceptional. I highly recommend her firm.

- Former Client
"She is Excellent"
I am very blessed to have Abby and her staff on my side. I could write on and on but not much more is needed other than she is EXCELLENT.

- Former Client
"Excellent Experience"
Abigail Beebe and her legal team were very professional throughout the course of my divorce. Abigail and her team responded in a timely manner, and I was not billed unnecessarily. Most importantly, I was extremely satisfied with the results!

- Edgar M.
"Caring & Proficient"
Abigail Beebe is a very caring, proficient attorney. She will guide you and advise you no matter how difficult your family issues may be. My family is very appreciative of her kindness and professionalism.

- Former Client
"They Saved My Life"
Abigail Beebe saved my life literally! They are very knowledgeable In Domestic Violence and custody law. They listened to my needs and went to bat for me, I highly recommend to anyone who may be going through a difficult divorce.

- Carly S.

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How Long Does Alimony Last?

The length of time alimony is awarded varies based on the type of alimony and the specific circumstances of each case. Alimony typically ends when either spouse dies, or the recipient spouse remarries or enters a supportive relationship.

A supportive relationship is generally considered one in which the recipient cohabits with another person to whom they are not related by marriage or blood and with whom they have become financially interdependent. The 2023 law now mandates that proof of this must terminate or reduce the payor’s alimony obligations.

Alimony Modifications

Either party can also seek changes to alimony if a significant change in circumstances is proven, such as a substantial increase or decrease in either party's income or the payor’s retirement.

You Can Depend on Beebe Law for Competent Legal Representation

At our firm, Attorney Abigail Beebe provides expert legal counsel at every step of the process, from understanding the different types of alimony to determining eligibility and amount.

We work to ensure financial stability during and after a divorce, helping you transition into your new life as smoothly as possible.

Call (561) 677-9147 or reach out online to schedule your case evaluation with our experienced West Palm Beach alimony lawyer today.

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