Alimony
Florida alimony representation for both spouses seeking or responding to support
Alimony, also called spousal support, is one of the most contested issues in a Florida divorce. Whether you expect to request support or respond to a request from your spouse, the outcome can shape your finances for years.
At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A., we represent both sides of alimony disputes throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, with particular experience in cases involving higher earners, business owners, and professionals.
Florida’s Alimony Reform
Florida overhauled its alimony law in 2023. The changes eliminated permanent alimony for new cases and introduced clearer guidelines for how long support can last relative to the length of the marriage. For spouses who earn significantly more than their partner, these changes affect both the amount and the duration of support that may be ordered.
Florida law now recognizes several types of alimony, and a court may award one type or a combination depending on the circumstances.
- Temporary support during the divorce proceeding
- Bridge-the-gap support for a short transition period
- Rehabilitative support tied to a specific plan, such as education or job training
- Durational support for a set period tied to the length of the marriage
Under current Florida law, the length of durational alimony generally cannot exceed the length of the marriage, and specific percentage caps apply based on whether the marriage was short, moderate, or long term.
Factors Courts Consider
Before awarding alimony, a Florida court first looks at whether one spouse has an actual need for support and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay it. If both are present, the court then weighs a range of factors, including the standard of living established during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, and each spouse’s income, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage.
Alimony for High Earners and Business Owners
When one spouse owns a business or earns substantial income through bonuses, commissions, or equity compensation, calculating income for alimony purposes becomes more complex than reviewing a pay stub. We work through business records, tax returns, and compensation structures to help the court see an accurate picture of what a spouse actually earns, whether we represent the person requesting support or the person responding to the request.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
An existing alimony order is not necessarily permanent. Florida law allows modification or termination when there has been a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances, such as job loss, retirement, a significant income change, or the recipient’s remarriage or supportive cohabitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Florida eliminate alimony?
No. Florida eliminated permanent alimony for new cases as part of its 2023 reform, but temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony remain available depending on the facts of the case.
How is alimony calculated in Florida?
Florida does not use a fixed formula the way it does for child support. A court first determines need and ability to pay, then weighs statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage.
Can alimony be changed after the divorce is final?
Yes, in most cases. A party can request a modification when circumstances have changed substantially since the original order, such as a significant change in income or the recipient’s remarriage.
Does owning a business affect an alimony case?
It can. Business income is often less straightforward to document than salaried income, and both requesting and defending against alimony in these cases usually benefits from a closer review of financial records.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. If you need legal advice regarding your situation, contact the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A. to discuss your case and receive personalized legal guidance.
