PALM BEACH DIVORCE RESOURCE: ALIMONY

Alimony is the legal term used to describe one spouse financially supporting the other spouse after a divorce.  Most forms of alimony require the presence of two factors: (1) one spouse must have a "need" for financial support and (2) the other spouse must have the "ability to pay" financial support.  Without there being a "need" and "ability to pay", there is not going to be any alimony.  

If there is a "need" and "ability to pay", the inquiry then turns to the questions of "how much" and "how long".  The question of "how much" alimony will be paid can one of the more complicated areas of divorce law, and usually requires an in-depth analysis of marital expenses and a study of how much money can be earned by a spouse if they maximize available employment opportunities.  Both of these issues can require financial "experts", including forensic accountants and vocational elevators.  The current cap on alimony is that, absent compelling circumstances, one spouse cannot be left with worse monthly net income than the other after paying alimony.

The question of "how long" is, with some exceptions, guided primarily by the length of the marriage.  Generally speaking, a shorter marriage means alimony is paid for a shorter period of time.  Typically, permanent alimony can only be ordered by a judge in marriages lasting longer than 17 years.   

Below is a list of questions that Palm Beach County divorce attorneys commonly receive on the issue of alimony.  Clicking the link to the questions below will lead to a more detailed answer.

•  What is "permanent alimony"?

• What is "rehabilitative alimony"? 

• What is "bridge the gap alimony"? 

• What is "lump sum alimony"? 

• What is "nominal alimony"? 

• What does my standard of living during the marriage have to do with how alimony is determined? 

• Does a longer marriage mean more alimony? 

• How does the ability to obtain employment factor into the determination of an alimony award? 

• What if there is a large marital estate? Will there still be alimony? 

• How does age and physical and emotional well-being factor into the determination of alimony? 

• How does adultery affect alimony? 

• Can alimony payments be protected through life insurance? 

• Can the judge make a spouse pay health insurance as a supplement to alimony? 

• Can alimony be changed after a divorce? 

• What if my spouse is living with someone else and receiving alimony?

For further questions concerning alimony, call (561) 844-1200 to arrange a consultation with a Palm Beach County alimony attorney with the law firm of Nugent Zborowski & Bruce.