Jacksonville Alimony Lawyers
Experienced Spousal Support Attorneys Fighting for Your Financial Security
Divorce is emotional enough – figuring out alimony shouldn’t make it harder.
The family lawyers at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite know Florida’s statutes inside and out, and we’re ready to help you seek or defend against spousal support claims with clarity and authority.
Alimony, also known as spousal support, helps ensure fairness by allowing a lower-earning spouse to maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce. Whether you’re facing contested negotiations or modifications, we’ll stand by you and guide you toward a fair resolution.
Call (904) 619-1386 to speak with a board-certified Jacksonville alimony lawyer at any of our three office locations around the city and get your case started.
What is Alimony in Florida?
Alimony, also called spousal support, is financial assistance that one spouse may be required to pay the other during or after divorce. Under Florida Statute §61.08, the court may award alimony to help a lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and transition toward independence.
The purpose is to reduce unfair economic disparity between spouses after a marriage ends. Florida’s approach is gender-neutral, meaning either spouse can request support depending on their financial circumstances.
Florida law recognizes alimony as a tool to promote fairness following divorce. It considers the needs of the requesting spouse and the ability of the other to pay, ensuring that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living post-divorce.
How do Florida Courts Determine Alimony?
The following factors are used to calculate alimony in Florida:
- Length of marriage
- Standard of living during marriage
- Financial resources and earning capacity
- Contributions to the marriage
- Age and health of each spouse
- Responsibilities to care for minor children
Types of Alimony in Florida
Florida law recognizes several types of alimony, each serving a unique purpose based on the circumstances of the marriage and divorce. Understanding these options can help you and your attorney determine which form of spousal support best fits your needs or obligations.
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony provides financial support while the divorce is pending. It helps the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living until a final judgment is entered.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Bridge-the-gap alimony is short-term support, lasting no more than two years. It helps one spouse transition from married to single life by covering immediate needs such as housing, transportation, or basic expenses.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony assists a spouse who needs education, job training, or certification to become self-supporting. The recipient must present a defined plan for achieving financial independence.
Durational Alimony
Durational alimony applies to short- or moderate-term marriages. It provides support for a set period, which cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Lump-Sum Alimony
Lump-sum alimony is a one-time payment or property transfer rather than recurring installments, ensuring a clean financial break between spouses while addressing long-term support needs.
Why Choose Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite
When you need trusted guidance in a challenging divorce, the board-certified alimony lawyers at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite bring decades of combined family law experience to your side.
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of Florida’s evolving alimony and spousal support laws and a proven record of success in both mediation and trial advocacy, with strategies tailored to your unique financial situation and long-term goals.
Whether you’re seeking alimony or defending against it, our certified legal team provides compassionate, results-driven representation to protect your future and financial stability.
Recent Updates to Florida Alimony Law
Florida’s 2023 alimony reform eliminated permanent alimony and shifted the focus to durational and rehabilitative support that helps spouses become self-sufficient. The law also tightened modification rules and allows adjustments for legitimate retirement.
Whether you’re planning a divorce, modifying support, or simply want to understand your rights, contact an experienced Jacksonville family lawyer at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite for trusted guidance.
Modifying or Terminating Alimony
Life circumstances often change after a divorce, and Florida law allows alimony to be modified or terminated when those changes are substantial and ongoing. Courts review both parties’ financial situations to ensure support remains fair and reasonable.
Common Reasons for Modification
- Change in income or employment
- Remarriage or cohabitation by the recipient
- Significant health or financial changes affecting either party
Legal Process
A modification begins with filing a petition in family court. The judge will evaluate updated financial affidavits and supporting evidence. Many cases are resolved through mediation or negotiation, allowing both sides to reach an equitable outcome without prolonged litigation.
Common Myths About Alimony
Myth: Only men pay alimony – Florida law is gender-neutral; either spouse may be required to pay support.
Myth: Alimony lasts forever – Permanent alimony has been eliminated; most awards are temporary or rehabilitative.
Myth: It can’t be changed – Alimony can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances.
Myth: A new spouse’s income affects payments – A payor’s new spouse’s income is not considered when calculating alimony.
Want to learn more about alimony? Listen to Episode 3 of the Split Happens podcast to hear attorney Jay Henderlite debunk these myths and explain Florida’s current laws in The Truth About Alimony.
FAQs About Alimony in Florida
How long does alimony last in Florida?
The duration of alimony depends on the length of the marriage and the type awarded. Durational alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage, while rehabilitative alimony lasts only as long as it takes the recipient to complete an approved plan for financial independence.
Can I receive alimony if I worked during my marriage?
Yes. Even if you worked, you may still qualify for spousal support if there is a major income disparity or if you sacrificed career advancement to support your spouse or family.
Can alimony be modified or terminated?
Yes. Alimony modifications can occur when there’s a significant change in income, employment, health, or if the recipient remarries or cohabitates with a new partner.
Is alimony taxable?
For divorces finalized after January 1, 2019, alimony payments are not taxable to the recipient and not tax-deductible for the paying spouse.
How does adultery affect alimony in Florida?
While adultery alone doesn’t determine eligibility, it can impact alimony decisions if it resulted in measurable financial harm to the other spouse during the marriage.
Speak with a Jacksonville Alimony Lawyer Today
If you’re going through a divorce or have questions about spousal support, now is the time to get experienced legal guidance. The most trusted alimony lawyers in Jacksonville at Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite will protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for a fair outcome. Don’t leave your financial future to chance — call (904) 619-1386 or request your confidential consultation today to get the skilled representation you deserve.