Nov
What is the Average Amount of Alimony that is Awarded in FL Divorce Cases?
Alimony may be granted to either party involved in a divorce and is based on a number of different things which we will discuss below. Now, because every couple’s circumstances are different, there isn’t an “average amount” of alimony that is awarded given a spouse qualifies to receive it. Therefore, if you are trying to determine how much you might be entitled to receive and be deemed an eligible candidate for it, it would be in your best interest to speak with a qualified family law attorney who can provide you with an estimate.
How is alimony determined in the state of Florida?
Now, although we can’t provide you with an exact amount as to how much you might be able to collect right now, what we can tell you is what the courts will use when considering awarding alimony to one party in a divorce. The first thing you need to understand is that alimony is generally awarded to one party who can supply evidence that there is a need for it. If the individual seeking alimony can prove they have the need for it and their spouse is able to pay it, then the courts shall use the following factors when considering the amount.
- How long the marriage lasted for.
- The age of each party as well as their physical and emotional condition.
- The financial resources each party has which might include marital and nonmarital assets and any liabilities that have been distributed to each.
- What each party’s earning capacity is, their “educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties and, when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.”
If you can prove that you were unable to pursue the education you needed to retain employment, yet your spouse was given the opportunity to do so which has allowed him/her to serve as the breadwinner of the family while you were married, you may qualify for alimony.
- What each party has contributed to the marriage, which might include “services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.”
- What each party’s responsibilities will be with regard to any minor children they have in common.
- “The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment.”
- All sources of income that are available to either party. This includes income available through investments of any asset held by that party.
- “Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.”
[Source: FL State Statute §61.08(2)].
In the event the courts rule in your favor and awards you alimony, they may choose to either award it in numerous ways, which may also be combined in that you would receive more than one type of alimony award. Alimony may be rehabilitative, temporary, during the proceedings, bridge the gap (helping you transition from married life to single life), permanent lump sum, durational, periodic payments or all of the above.
Now, if you have any questions pertaining to alimony or would like a lawyer to help you determine whether you qualify for it, contact Hollywood, FL family law attorney Jodie Bassichis. Our office is open and available to address any questions or concerns you might have relating to divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, etc. and can even provide you with legal representation should you need it for any family-related matter.
The Law Offices of Jodie Bassichis, P.A. is located at:
Jodie Bassichis, PA
4700 Sheridan Street, Suite J
Hollywood, Florida 33021
(954)963-7300
jbassichislaw@gmail.com
www.FloridaDivorceSource.com