Skillful South Florida Lawyer Handles Alimony Disputes

Delray Beach firm advises divorcing spouses on maintenance payments

When alimony is an issue in a divorce, it can create serious conflicts. However, skillful legal advice can help you evaluate the likelihood of an alimony award in your case and the specific type of financial maintenance that might be ordered. At Miller Morse Law PLLC in Delray Beach, we represent South Florida clients in alimony disputes and other types of divorce matters. Whether you are the spouse who is seeking financial maintenance or the higher-earning partner who must pay it, attorney Jennifer Miller-Morse has the knowledge and experience to obtain a fair resolution. With two decades of family law practice, she can find creative ways to make the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Knowledgeable attorney explains the different types of alimony

Changes in society over the past few decades have altered how alimony is ordered in many states, including Florida. It is often awarded to help a divorcing spouse get back on their feet financially rather than as a lifelong source of income. Types of alimony that can be awarded under state law include:

• Temporary — While a divorce is pending, a court can direct payments from one spouse to the other so that each party can continue their lifestyle until a ruling is entered.
• Permanent — Courts might grant permanent alimony in cases of long marriages where one spouse stayed home for many years to take care of the home and/or children. Another possible justification might exist if the husband or wife seeking payment is unable to work due to a medical condition.
• Rehabilitative — Individuals who have been out of the workforce for some time are eligible for rehabilitative alimony. Under this arrangement, a recipient spouse is paid for a specified amount of time as they build or rebuild their ability to earn a living.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony — Someone who requires spousal support for a short duration (two years or less) can be awarded these payments as they make the transition to single life.

For clients seeking maintenance payments, our firm can create an accurate account of the contribution you made to your family’s household at the expense of your earning ability.

Experienced advocate outlines factors used in spousal support decisions

Judges can review several factors when making an alimony determination, including:

• Duration of the marriage — State law divides marriages into three categories based on their duration: short (fewer than seven years), moderate (between seven and 17 years) and long (17 years or longer). Permanent alimony, which only ends only upon a death or remarriage of the recipient spouse, is usually restricted to spouses who’ve had long marriages. In most other cases, there is a limit for the alimony duration that is based on a percentage of the marriage’s length.
• Contributions of the parties — This factor can include more than monetary contributions. Judges can deliver a maintenance ruling that accounts for the spouse who stayed home and tended to the children while allowing the other spouse to build their career.
• Age, physical condition and earning ability — Our firm can assess whether you or your partner will be likely to require spousal support to maintain your standard of living following a divorce.

If you are looking to avoid or minimize an alimony award, we will present a thorough case on your behalf. By examining the relevant factors closely, we can demonstrate how quickly your spouse should be able to handle their own needs.

Contact an accomplished South Florida divorce lawyer.

Miller Morse Law PLLC represents Florida clients in alimony disputes and other aspects of matrimonial litigation. Please call 561-422-4832 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Delray Beach office.