Alimony FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Venice, FloridaHow do I know if I can get alimony?You can ask for alimony if you don’t have enough money to support yourself during and/or after the divorce and your spouse has the financial ability to help. Florida courts look at things like your marriage length, your finances, and your ability to earn income.Can my spouse fight against paying me alimony?Yes, your spouse can argue that you don’t need support or that they can’t afford to pay. They might bring up your job skills, income, or any shared assets. That’s why having a trusted and experienced divorce lawyer near you like Matthew Z. Martell on your side can make a big difference.Do I have to pay alimony if we were only married a few years?Short-term marriages under 5 years usually don’t involve long-term alimony payments. But a judge can still order temporary alimony during the divorce and/or bridge-the-gap alimony after the divorce is finalized depending on your financial situation. It really depends on what both spouses need and what’s fair based on the law.Can I get alimony while the divorce is still going on?Yes, temporary alimony can be ordered while the divorce is in progress. It helps cover your basic living expenses during the case. You’ll need to show that you need it, and your spouse has the ability to pay it during the divorce.What happens if my ex doesn’t pay the alimony the court ordered?If they don’t pay, you can go back to court and ask the judge to enforce the order. The court can take actions like garnishing wages, suspending a driver’s license, or even holding them in contempt until they catch up on payments.Can alimony be changed after the divorce is final?Yes, but only if something major changes—like someone loses a job, retires, or gets remarried. You have to go back to court and show why the original order no longer makes sense under Florida Statutes § 61.14.Will I lose alimony if I move in with someone?Maybe. If the court sees that you’re in a supportive relationship that’s like a marriage, it might reduce or stop your alimony. Florida law looks primarily at how much financial support you’re getting from the person you’re living with.How long does alimony last in Florida?It depends on what kind you get. Durational alimony can’t last longer than the marriage did. Bridge-the-gap is up to 2 years. Rehabilitative alimony lasts until you finish a plan like school or training and no longer than 6 years. Temporary alimony only lasts until the divorce has ended. Permanent alimony was eliminated in 2023.Do I need a lawyer to ask for or fight alimony?You’re not required to have a lawyer, but it’s smart to get one. Alimony can seriously affect your finances for years. A Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Venice, Florida divorce lawyer near you like Attorney Matthew Z. Martell will know how to present your case and protect you under Florida’s spousal support laws.How much alimony will I have to pay or receive?There’s not an exact and fixed formula in Florida. Judges look at both of your monthly net incomes, marriage length, lifestyle during the marriage, and future needs. Your divorce lawyer can estimate a likely range based on Manatee County and Sarasota County past divorce cases, as well as the court’s past rulings.Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, Florida Alimony AttorneyDivorce is one of the most emotionally and financially difficult experiences a person can face— and when alimony becomes part of that equation, the pressure only grows. Whether you’re worried about how you’ll stay afloat after your marriage ends or you’re being asked to pay more than you believe is fair, this is not the time to “go it alone”. You need a Sarasota, Siesta Key, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Casey Key, Manasota Key, and Venice, Florida alimony attorney who doesn’t just understand the law, but who knows how to apply it with strength and precision in real-life cases like yours. At the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A., our experienced attorneys have spent years standing up for people who feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or taken advantage of during a divorce. We’re not here to give you empty promises—we’re here to fight hard for a fair outcome. If you have questions about your rights, your obligations, or what steps you should take next, then contact the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A. by calling (941) 556-7020 or contacting us online to see if you qualify for our free 15 minute phone consultation. Your future is worth protecting— let us help you protect it.
