Tampa Alimony Lawyer

Exceptional Representation from a Tampa Divorce Attorney

Catherine W. Real, P.A. can provide you with the dedicated and personal legal representation that you need as you pursue a fair alimony arrangement between you and your current or ex-spouse. With more than 35 years of experience, you can trust in the insight she offers as your Tampa divorce attorney.

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Schedule your initial consultation with Catherine W. Real, P.A. today!

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Understanding Your Alimony Arrangement

Alimony consists of spousal support payments that may be required post-divorce. Typically, the payments are made from the higher-earning spouse to the ex-spouse who is less financially stable. The intent of alimony is to help a non-earning or lesser-earning spouse adjust to life after divorce on a single income. The courts must make a factual determination as to whether a spouse has an actual need for alimony and whether either spouse has the ability to pay alimony.

Men have characteristically been the targets in alimony proceedings. Oftentimes, women seek alimony from their higher-earning ex-husbands because they were homemakers or did not have well-paying jobs during their marriage. Men whose ex-wives are requesting alimony can seek assistance from the firm and work toward a solution.

Factors Considered When Deciding Alimony

First, the court will look at the length of the marriage. In Florida, a short-term marriage is one that lasts less than seven years. A moderate marriage is one that lasts between 7 and 17 years. Marriages that last more than 17 years are considered long-term marriages. The court can use these gauges to determine the amount of alimony that a spouse deserves.

Other factors that the court considers for alimony include:

• Sources of income available to each party
• Financial resources of each party
• Age and physical condition of each party
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Earning capacities of both spouses
• Education level of both spouses
• The contribution of each spouse to the marriage
• Children belonging to the couple
• Tax treatment of any alimony awards

Types of Alimony in Florida

There are three different types of alimony in Florida:

• Bridge-the-gap alimony: Bridge-the-gap alimony is used to assist a spouse while the party makes the transition from married life to single life. Bridge-the-gap alimony typically can't exceed two years. If the ex-spouse who is receiving payments remarries, then the alimony is terminated.
• Durational alimony: Alimony of this type is ordered to provide a party with economic assistance for a set period of time. Durational alimony always ends when either party or the party receiving alimony remarries. Amounts may be modified in court, and durational alimony cannot last beyond the duration of the marriage.
• Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is used to assist a spouse in establishing the capacity for self-support. The money may be used to help a spouse go back to school or get credentials so that the spouse can become self-supporting.

Contact the team at Catherine W. Real, P.A. to learn more. Seek divorce help from a divorce attorney in Tampa who is committed to pursuing your best interests. With 35 years of experience, you can trust that Catherine W. Real, P.A. will take care of you through this process.