Can I Be Prevented From Receiving Alimony In Florida?
Alimony or spousal support, as it’s known in Florida, is a payment made from one spouse to another to help support them after a divorce. However, recent changes to Florida law have made it easier for payers to stop paying alimony, even after they have been ordered to do so by the court. In this article, the Orlando divorce lawyers at Greater Orlando Family Law will discuss factors that may impede you from receiving alimony in the state of Florida.
The dissipation of marital assets
One factor that the court can consider when determining alimony is whether or not a spouse wasted or dissipated marital assets. If they did, they may lose their eligibility to receive alimony after the divorce. The court will assume that you have already done enough damage to your ex’s finances and that they shouldn’t have to pay you more money once the divorce is finalized.
Examples of wasting marital assets include:
- Excessive gambling
- Making poor investments
- Spending money on drugs or alcohol
- Spending money on affairs
- Destruction of assets
Your ex is nearing retirement age
Florida recently passed a new bill that made several changes to the alimony rules in our state. The new bill did away with permanent alimony, meaning a spouse will never have to pay another spouse for the rest of their life. In addition, the bill made it easier to petition the court to stop alimony payments. One reason that alimony can be stopped is because the spouse is set to retire. If you are receiving alimony from your former spouse and they are retiring, they may be able to stop any future alimony payments. Spouses must, however, reach a normal retirement age.
Cohabitation or remarriage
If you either remarry, cohabitate, or enter into a supportive relationship with another person, your former spouse may be able to petition the court to stop your alimony payments. If they argue that another person is helping you pay your bills, the court will assume you no longer need financial support from your former spouse.
Financial changes
Changes to either you or your spouse’s financial situation can impact alimony payments. If your spouse loses their job or you get promoted, the court may find that the spouse can no longer afford to pay alimony or that you no longer require it. When a spouse clearly has the money to support themselves, the courts will generally presume they no longer need alimony.
If your ex recently suffered a setback at work, was laid off, demoted, or lost their job, they can petition the court to reduce or eliminate alimony payments. Additionally, if you are now making more money than you used to, the spouse can petition the court to reduce or eliminate alimony payments.
Talk to an Orlando Alimony Attorney Today
Greater Orlando Family Law represents the interests of spouses who are seeking to recover alimony after and during divorce. Call our Orlando family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin addressing your needs immediately.
