Alimony/Spousal Support

    If you are in the process of divorce, or upon the court’s entry of a divorce order, the judge may order one party to pay alimony, or spousal support. The forms of alimony are rehabilitative alimony, which is temporary support to allow for continued education and retraining, or permanent alimony. Alimony can also be awarded in a lump sum, in periodic payments or both.

    Traditionally, alimony was more often awarded to a woman based on the premise that she was the dependent spouse, having foregone or sacrificed career opportunities to fulfill a role of homemaking and child rearing. Today, alimony is considered to be gender-neutral. Florida Courts consider relevant factors, including the needs of one party, the ability of the other to pay, the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, the physical, mental, and emotional health of the parties, and, most importantly, the length of the marriage.   

    Florida Courts now tend to favor rehabilitative or transitional alimony over permanent periodic alimony, as it encourages self-sufficiency. Permanent alimony generally ends when either party dies or when the recipient remarries. Alimony may be revisited when the need and ability to pay changes significantly, and modifications usually apply prospectively.

Call 407-370-9661

Gwen J. Cryer, Esq.

1507 Park Center Dr.

Suite N

Orlando, FL 32835

Facsimile: 407-370-9480

E-mail: gcryer@lawgrp.net