TAMPA ALIMONY LAWYERS

ASSISTING CLIENTS THROUGH ALIMONY PROCEEDINGS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY 

Florida law allows for several different types of alimony: rehabilitative; transitional; bridge-the-gap; and lump-sum alimony. 

Alimony for support is designed to provide the recipient spouse with funds sufficient to continue living a lifestyle consistent with that of the marriage. The length of the marriage and the disparity between the incomes of the husband and wife are two of the several factors that will determine the type of alimony, if any, in each case.

Rehabilitative alimony is designed to provide support to a spouse for the period of time necessary to complete education or training sufficient for that spouse to earn income similar to that enjoyed prior to his or her termination of employment for various reasons, such as raising children. Your attorney will discuss with you the various forms of alimony, your rights, and risks regarding alimony. 

Temporary support (alimony): During the divorce, the higher income-earning spouse may be required to contribute to the temporary and ongoing support of the other spouse. This may or may not have an impact on the final resolution of this issue, but it is important that you do not pay too much or receive too little during the early stages of your divorce.

Strategies to Minimize Alimony in Tampa Divorces

In Florida, alimony is awarded based on factors such as the duration of the marriage, standard of living during the marriage, financial resources of each party, and the contributions of each spouse to the marriage. While alimony is determined on a case-by-case basis and ultimately at the court's discretion, there are steps individuals can take to potentially avoid or minimize alimony obligations:

• Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement: A well-drafted prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can specify the terms for alimony in the event of a divorce. This can provide clarity and protect both parties' interests.
• Financial Independence: Encourage and support your spouse to be financially independent. If both spouses have their own sources of income and assets, it can mitigate the need for alimony.
• Equal Financial Contributions: During the marriage, strive for a balance in financial contributions and responsibilities. A court may be less inclined to award alimony if both spouses played an equal part in the financial aspects of the marriage.
• No-Fault Divorce: Work towards a no-fault divorce. If both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken and there's no need to assign fault, it may create a more favorable environment for negotiating alimony terms.
• Mediation and Negotiation: Engage in mediation or negotiate with your spouse to come to a fair agreement regarding alimony. This can potentially lead to a more reasonable and mutually acceptable outcome compared to a court-imposed decision.

It's essential to consult with a Tampa alimony lawyer to understand the legal implications and options available in your specific situation regarding alimony. Each case is unique, and professional guidance can be crucial in navigating the complexities of alimony laws.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Tampa Alimony Attorneys

With offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg, the Florida family law attorneys of Harris, Hunt & Derr work with clients throughout the Tampa area. 

Looking for legal help for your alimony matter? Call Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A., today at (813) 223-5421 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Tampa alimony attorneys.

Further Insights on Alimony in Florida

• Impact of Remarriage on Alimony Payments
• Answering Your Alimony Questions in Florida
• Understanding Factors Influencing Alimony Awards