Spousal Support / Alimony

Spousal Support / Alimony Attorney Serving Clients in Jacksonville, Florida

The dissolution of a marriage can wreak havoc on the personal finances of the parties involved. Even if the divorce is amicable and necessary, that doesn't mean that both spouses are prepared to meet the monetary challenges that come with a new life. In situations where one spouse has become dependent on the other during the course of the marriage, he or she may be entitled to temporary or permanent alimony.

Florida Alimony Lawyer Representing Clients in Northeastern Florida

Attorney Joy N. Owenby represents clients who are seeking alimony as part of their divorce settlement. While the Florida courts do not always award spousal support, there are several types of alimony that are often granted to dependent spouses in the State of Florida. The following are some the types of alimony or spousal support (the terms are interchangeable) that are usually granted by Florida judges:

Rehabilitative Alimony – The purpose of rehabilitative spousal support is to give the recipient the resources that are necessary to develop skills and training that will make him or her financially independent. This could be a return to college or vocational school, or obtaining a license. This type of alimony is usually accompanied by a plan for the recipient to achieve financial independence from the ex-spouse.

Bridge-The-Gap Alimony – This type of support provides the recipient with immediate funds to acclimate to his or her new life. It may be awarded on a temporary basis to allow the dependent spouse to do things like secure an apartment or purchase a car. This alimony may be paid in one lump sum, or over a few payments.

Durational Alimony – This is temporary alimony that doesn't fall into the categories of rehabilitative or bridge-the-gap.

Permanent Alimony – Spousal support that is paid on a regular basis for an indefinite period. This type of alimony usually terminates upon the death of either spouse, the remarriage of the recipient, or cohabitation (living with someone) of the recipient.

Either spouse may be required to pay alimony. Gender is not an issue. If you are in the process of a divorce and believe that you may be entitled to spousal support, attorney Joy Owenby can pursue your claim through the Florida family courts.

Court Considerations in Awarding Alimony in Florida

When Florida judges are considering the type, amount, and duration of spousal support to award, they consider the following factors:

• Standard of living to which the dependent spouse has become accustomed
• Age of the spouses
• Duration of the Marriage
• Incomes and expenses of both spouses
• Mental and physical condition of the spouses
• Required time and money for the recipient to receive vocational training
• Career building of the supportive spouse
• Time as a homemaker
• Adultery may be considered as a factor when determining support, but it does not guarantee that it will be awarded.

Whether you are seeking alimony from a soon to be ex-spouse, or you are trying to protect your assets during a contentious dissolution of marriage, the key is to obtain competent legal representation through a skilled divorce lawyer. Jacksonville attorney, Joy Owenby can represent you in either side of an alimony dispute. To schedule an appointment in her Duval County office, call (904 )359-5115.

Joy N. Owenby represents clients in all family legal matters in Jacksonville, Duval County, Clay County, Nassau County, Saint Johns County, Orange Park, St Augustine, Middleburg, and all areas of northeast Florida.