Worried about alimony and what it might mean for your future in Florida? Kofsky Law Office helps clients address support issues with clear advice, steady guidance, and firm advocacy.
Alimony decisions affect income, assets, and long-term financial stability. Those outcomes depend on how the facts are presented and how the law is applied. Whether you need support or believe the request goes too far, we work to protect what matters to you.
Overview of Alimony in Florida
Alimony, also called spousal support, is money paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. It is not automatic in Florida. A judge decides based on the facts and the law.
The court considers whether one spouse needs support and whether the other spouse can pay. The spouse asking for alimony must show both. In practical terms, that usually means clear records and careful planning.
To win or defend an alimony request, the law centers on two points:
- Need for support by one spouse.
- Ability to pay by the other spouse.
Kofsky Law reviews your finances, your marriage history, and your goals, then builds a plan that fits your situation.
Types of Alimony Available in Florida
Florida law offers different forms of support, each with its own purpose and time limit. The right option depends on the facts of your case and the length of your marriage. The summary below gives a quick snapshot of what is available today.
| Type | Purpose | Typical Duration | Notes |
| Bridge-the-Gap | Helps with short-term needs as you move from married to single life. | Up to 2 years | Used for clear, short-term expenses. |
| Rehabilitative | Supports education, training, or work re-entry for self-sufficiency. | Generally up to 5 years | Requires a detailed plan and timeline. |
| Durational | Provides support for a set time after short or moderate-term marriages. | Cannot exceed the length of the marriage | Common in marriages under 20 years. |
| Permanent | Long-term support for a dependent spouse. | Not available for cases filed after July 1, 2023 | Florida law changed and removed new awards after that date. |
Choosing the wrong type can lead to problems later, such as missed deadlines or a weak court record. We evaluate risk, duration, and enforceability, then pursue a result that aligns with the law and your financial reality.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
This short-term support covers clear, transitional needs for up to two years. It often applies to expenses linked to housing, transportation, or setting up a new household. Courts look for specific and verifiable needs.
Rehabilitative Alimony
This option is built to help a spouse gain skills or credentials to return to steady work. A written plan is required, with steps, costs, and a time frame. The goal is to achieve self-sufficiency within a set period, typically 5 years or less.
Durational Alimony
Durational support runs for a fixed time and cannot exceed the length of the marriage. It is common in short to moderate-term marriages. The amount and length depend on need, ability to pay, and the record presented to the judge.
Permanent Alimony
Florida removed new permanent alimony for cases filed after July 1, 2023. Older cases might still have it under the prior law. New filings must look to the other forms listed above.
Before any award, the court checks a range of facts about your marriage and finances. The next section outlines those points and how they are used in real cases.
Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions in Florida
Judges review many details before deciding on an amount or time frame. The items below often carry real weight, especially when money is tight or the marriage has been long.
- The standard of living during the marriage.
- The duration of the marriage, short-term, moderate-term, or long-term.
- The age, physical, and emotional condition of each spouse.
- Each spouse’s financial resources, earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage.
- Adultery may be considered when it had a financial impact onthe marriage.
Kofsky Law presents the facts with care, ties them to Florida statutes, and counters weak claims from the other side. We push for a fair result that reflects your needs and your ability to meet them.
Once we understand how these factors line up with your case, we can build a focused plan. The next section explains how we support clients from the first meeting through final orders.
How Kofsky Law Assists Clients with Alimony Matters
We handle both straightforward and high-stakes support cases, including those tied to complex assets or business income. Our team prepares thoroughly, aims for clean financial records, and keeps you informed at every step.
Here is what you can expect from us on a typical alimony matter:
- Clear review of goals, risks, and likely outcomes based on Florida law.
- Detailed financial analysis and document gathering that holds up in court.
- Strong advocacy in talks, mediation, and hearings.
We keep the process organized and focused, so you know where things stand and what comes next.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We review your income, expenses, assets, and marriage history, then build a plan that fits your goals. Our team spots gaps in proof and helps you fix them fast. Your rights and interests stay front and center.
Representation in Negotiations and Litigation
Many cases resolve through talks or mediation. If a hearing is needed, we prepare the record, press your case, and protect your financial future. Martin Kofsky brings years of family law work to each matter.
Guidance on Alimony Modifications
Life changes, such as job loss, retirement, or serious health issues, can justify a new order. We assess whether the change is substantial and lasting under Florida law. Then we file, defend, or resolve the request with strong proof.
Representation in Complex Financial Situations
High-net-worth cases and matters with business interests or trusts require careful analysis. We work with financial pros when needed and aim for accurate valuations. That helps the court set a fair amount and time period for support.
Some cases are calm. Others are not. If your divorce is heated or you expect heavy conflict, the approach must match the pressure.
Alimony and High-Conflict Divorce
Alimony often becomes a flashpoint in high-conflict divorces. We step in early, build a strong evidentiary record, and present the case in a way judges rely on when exercising discretion. Your future income and long-term stability matter, and we treat them that way.
We use clear, direct communication with the court and the other side to cut through noise. Our focus is on protecting your interests while avoiding unnecessary battles that drain resources. When a firm stance is needed, we take it.
If children or business issues are involved, we align the support case with those parts of the divorce. That keeps your overall strategy consistent and reduces surprises later.
Contact Kofsky Law for a Consultation
If you are facing an alimony dispute or expect one in your divorce, reach out and tell us what is going on. We offer clear guidance and proactive representation, from early planning to hearings and post-judgment issues.
Call 561-407-0703 or visit our website to schedule a time to talk. Call to discuss your alimony issue and the options available under Florida law.