The dissolution of your marriage can mean you must pay your former spouse spousal support. When an order to pay a specified amount of alimony is in place, you must make the required payments regularly and on time.
If you do not, you could face various legal penalties. Our Orlando alimony modification lawyer can handle this task if you want to change an alimony obligation.
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our Orlando family law lawyers know how challenging it can be to comply with an alimony order when your financial circumstances change. Our Orlando law firm will advocate for you and your rights. You can get started on your alimony modification request by reviewing your case with one of our team members today.
Who Is Required to Pay Alimony in a Divorce?
Alimony is not a given in every divorce case. It may not be awarded to either spouse if your income is fairly equal. According to Florida Statutes § 61.08, you could be ordered to pay alimony based on the following factors:
- The standard of living during your marriage
- The number of years you were married
- Each spouse’s age at the time of divorce
- The financial position of each spouse
- Each spouse’s earning capacity
- Each spouse’s contribution to the household and marriage
Other factors will also play a role in the awarding of alimony. Our Orlando family law lawyer can help you carefully document your financial picture and fight hard to pay fair and appropriate alimony.
Reasons an Orlando Court Can Modify Alimony Payments
The type of alimony a court ordered you to pay may qualify for a modification. It is not automatic; a change is usually only ordered after meeting specific guidelines. Some factors the court may consider when weighing your modification request can include:
- Your grounds for divorce
- Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage
- Each spouse’s financial prospects
- Your current physical and mental health
- Each spouse’s potential remarriage and children
The court may consider other factors. In addition, a modification can be in the duration of time or the amount of your payment. When we represent you, we ensure the court is aware of any relevant changes in your finances. We also document any changes in your former spouse’s financial and other circumstances that may warrant an adjustment in your spousal support obligation.
To consult with an experienced alimony modification lawyer serving Orlando
(855) 780-9986
Types of Alimony a Florida Court Can Order
You can be ordered to pay several different kinds of alimony in Florida. Our law firm will ensure the type of alimony you pay is appropriate for your situation. Common types of alimony include:
- Bridge–the–gap alimony helps your former spouse move smoothly from the financial factors of marriage into single life. Bridge-the-gap alimony is temporary and typically lasts two years or less. This type of alimony cannot be modified.
- Rehabilitative alimony helps a spouse who earns significantly less than the other. Rehabilitative alimony typically provides financial support while your former spouse pursues an education or other avenues that help them support themselves.
- Durational alimony meets a spouse’s needs after a short marriage. Durational alimony typically ends when your spouse remarries or at their demise. Like rehabilitative alimony, it can only be modified under strict and specific conditions.
- Permanent alimony meets the needs of a spouse who cannot support themselves financially. A court awards permanent alimony under strict guidelines, and the payment can change if there is a significant change in the financial circumstances of either former spouse.
The type of alimony you are ordered to pay can factor into whether you can have your obligation modified. Our family law team will carefully review your alimony amount, the circumstances that led to it, and your current financial standing. Our goal is to help you modify your obligation so that you can comfortably pay it while also meeting your needs.
Our Alimony Modification Attorney Serving Orlando Will Represent You in Court
It can be time-consuming and challenging to change the amount of alimony you pay to your former spouse. However, legal guidance and support can make managing this task easier. You do not have to resort to self-help or otherwise enact a change in alimony on your own.
With legal support from our alimony modification lawyer serving Orlando, you can avoid the consequences of making a change without court approval. You will not have to go to court on your own. At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our family law lawyer will accompany you to any required hearings or other court appearances.
We will prepare you for every alimony-related court appearance. We also will make sure your case file includes proof of a significant change in your finances. Alimony modification can also include your former spouse’s request for an increase. If this is the reason for your court appearance, we work hard to prove the amount you currently pay is fair and appropriate.
Penalties for Non-Compliance or Self-Help in Orlando, Florida Alimony Matters
Failure or refusal to pay spousal support or decrease the amount you pay on your own can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. These can include:
- A lien on any property you own
- Withholding of state and federal tax refunds
- A lien on your bank account
- Garnishment of your salary
- Suspension of your driver’s licenses
- Suspension of business or professional licenses
The best way to avoid these costly effects of non-compliance is to get our family law team involved in your case right from the start. The sooner you inform us of a change in your finances, the more time we have to document your circumstances and fight for your rights.
Contact Our Orlando Alimony Modification Case Review Team Today
Our family law team at Bogin, Munns & Munns understands the importance of spousal support after a divorce. If you are paying alimony and want legal guidance that can help you modify an existing court order, we can help.
Contact our case review team today to find out how our Orlando alimony modification lawyer can fight for your rights.
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