Free Information On Alimony

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You can avoid paying too much alimony, our lawyers have a proven track record of protecting men’s rights in divorce cases in the counties of Lee, Collier and Charlotte. They know how to overcome the wife-favoring bias in regards to alimony that permeates the system despite Florida’s laws that give men and women equal rights to alimony. Contact our divorce law firm today.

Alimony is intended to allow a couple to divorce on equal footing. It is not intended to be punishment for the husband, as commonly viewed. If the wife earns more money than the husband and the husband will have difficulty supporting himself after the divorce, then the husband has just as much right to receive alimony as the wife would have if a reversed situation.

When it comes to men’s rights in divorce and alimony, attorney Matthew Irwin is the specialist in the Lee, Collier & Charlotte counties region.

How Courts Figure Alimony—Lawyer Explains

Alimony is figured by comparing each spouse’s gross income and the cost of maintaining a lifestyle similar to that which the couple enjoyed while married. The goal is for each spouse to have equal potential for continuing to live the lifestyle they are accustomed to. Future earning potential may be considered. Distribution of marital property may also impact alimony, i.e. the spouse with the house may have a financial advantage. If one spouse engaged in immoral behavior, such as adultery or abuse, that may also impact alimony calculations.

Types of Alimony

Depending on circumstances, the judge may order temporary (bridge-the-gap) or permanent alimony. If the receiving spouse has potential to earn a self-supporting income, rehabilitative alimony would give the spouse time to get needed education or training and find a job. Permanent alimony is generally applied when the receiving spouse is unlikely to ever match the earning potential of the paying spouse. Age, education, and physical or mental health may be factors in deciding this. Permanent alimony usually ends when either spouse dies.

The judge may order alimony to be paid in periodic payments, such as monthly or quarterly. Or he or she may order a lump sum payment. Periodic payments are more common, especially for permanent alimony. A lawyer can help ensure alimony is figured fairly and reasonably.

Income Deduction Orders

It is not uncommon for the judge to file an Income Deduction Order to ensure alimony is paid. An Income Deduction Order requires the employer of the paying spouse to deduct alimony payments from the spouse’s paycheck. The deducted payments are sent either directly to the receiving spouse or to a depository agency which sends a check to the receiving spouse. A depository agency ensures alimony payments are tracked accurately.

Additional Requirements

Sometimes judges will require the alimony-paying spouse to maintain life insurance or other security, with the receiving spouse named as the beneficiary. This ensures alimony payments continue if the paying spouse dies or loses their income.

Talk with a Divorce & Alimony Lawyer

If you want to discuss your divorce and alimony, and live in one of these counties: Lee, Collier or Charlotte, our lawyers will be happy to talk with you. Men have the same rights to alimony as women do; find out how our divorce law firm can help you protect your rights.

If you have any questions about your Florida divorce or would like a Consultation, please call us at 866-995-0166 or email us today.

Need More Help Understanding Your Case?

We have more information on divorce, custody and support issues on our Free Resources page. The links below will take you to articles on subjects related to divorce and alimony.