Alimony has traditionally been a somewhat controversial subject in family law. There are several active debates.

Here is information about Alimony as it now exists in Florida:

Alimony can be permanent (set and ongoing) or rehabilitative (limited and eventually ending). In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court may consider adultery and other circumstances in their award. The following alimony guidelines are provided under Florida law:

a. The standard of living established during the marriage.

b. The duration of the marriage.

c. The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.

d. The financial resources of each party, the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.

e. When applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.

f. The contribution of each party to the marriage, including but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education and career building of the other party.

g. All sources of income available to either party.

NOTE that a recent change in Florida law has made it possible to terminate alimony if the spouse receiving the payments cohabitates (lives with) someone else who is considered to be 'supporting' that person. There is a list of criteria that a court uses to determine whether the person is being 'supported'.

The Florida legislature has enacted an amendment to Florida Statute Section 61.14, which governs awards of alimony in divorce proceedings, as well as modifications or terminations of alimony payments. The amendment primarily authorizes the court to terminate alimony "where the court has made written findings, as proven by the payer through a preponderance of the evidence that a 'supportive relationship' exists between the recipient and a person with whom the recipient resides." The amendment identifies a variety of criteria to be used in deciding whether the supportive relationship exists. (For more information about Florida Statute Section 61.14 and the specific criteria identified, contact our office).

While the changes to Florida Statute Section 61.14 have helped to identify reasons for termination of alimony payments, many issues still exist regarding creation of specific standards and guidelines to govern alimony, such as when it can be awarded, what amount, and when it should stop.

Alimony can be a complex issue, and often answers are not straightforward. If you have any questions about the amended law or any aspect of alimony or child support payments, feel free to contact the offices of Panzer Family Law, P.A. We are happy to provide information and welcome the opportunity to help you in your time of need.

Contact our attorney by clicking here or by calling (561) 206 6555. Our offices are located in Boca Raton, and we serve the South Florida region.

Panzer Law, P.A., assists clients with family legal matters in Palm Beach County, Florida including the cities of Boca Raton, Beach, Boynton, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Hypoluxo, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Lantana, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, South Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach.