Four Factors That Impact Your Rights To Spousal Support Payments In Tampa
When getting a divorce in Tampa, one of the biggest concerns is likely to be how to provide for yourself financially in the aftermath. If your spouse made significantly more than you or you otherwise relied on their income, making the adjustment to living on your own can be particularly difficult. Our Tampa divorce lawyer explains how spousal support in Florida is awarded and four factors that could impact your rights to these payments.
Your Rights To Spousal Support In A Tampa Divorce
Divorce can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and financially. To aid in your post-divorce recovery, the court may order your former partner to provide spousal support, also known as alimony payments. The financial relief alimony can provide offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise difficult situation.
Under the Florida Statutes, spousal support may be awarded to help you adjust in the aftermath of divorce. Common types of spousal support available include:
- Rehabilitative alimony, which helps you gain the education or experience needed to reenter the workforce and become self-supporting;
- Bridge the gap alimony, which can help during the difficult post-divorce adjustment period;
- Temporary alimony, which may be awarded for a specific time, such as while you care for young children from the marriage.
For Factors A Tampa Judge Will Consider When Awarding Spousal Support
Florida’s spousal support laws underwent major revisions in 2023, which made obtaining alimony payments more difficult. Four factors a Hillsborough Family Court judge is likely to consider in your case include:
- Your need and your spouse’s ability to pay: In the past, alimony was intended to help you maintain the same standard of living. Now, it is designed to provide only for basic needs. In addition, the amount you are entitled to is limited by your spouse’s ability to pay.
- The length of time you were married: Spousal support is harder to obtain in short-term cases. In the past, this was considered any marriage lasting less than three years. Now, the requirement is seven years.
- Your contributions to the marriage: Each party’s paid and unpaid contributions to the marriage play a significant role in determining both whether alimony is awarded and the amount that must be paid.
- Marital misconduct: Adultery, addiction, emotional abuse, and other types of marital misconduct on the part of your spouse can make a judge more likely to award spousal support. However, if you have engaged in this type of behavior, your rights to these payments are in jeopardy.
Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Spousal Support Lawyer Today
Spousal support can play a major role in maintaining financial security and your ability to recover from a divorce in Tampa. To get the maximum amount you are entitled to, get Bubley & Bubley, P.A. on your side. Our office provides the caring, comprehensive legal service you need to protect your rights in court. To request a consultation with our Tampa spousal support lawyer today, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/61.08#:~:text=SECTION%2008Alimony.&text=(1)(a)%20In%20a,periodic%20or%20lump%20sum%20payments.
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