Alimony & Spousal Support Under Florida Law
Alimony, or spousal support, is one of the most contested issues in Florida divorce cases. Following the significant 2023 alimony reform under Senate Bill 1416, Florida law has changed the alimony landscape substantially - eliminating permanent alimony and establishing clearer durational limits tied to the length of the marriage. Understanding these recent changes is essential for anyone seeking or defending against an alimony claim.
Florida's Current Alimony Framework
Under Fla. Stat. §61.08, as amended by the 2023 reform, Florida now recognizes four types of alimony: temporary (during the pending divorce), bridge-the-gap (limited to two years, for transitional needs), rehabilitative (to support a spouse obtaining education or training), and durational (for a set period not exceeding a percentage of the marriage length). Permanent alimony has been eliminated for all new filings.
The duration of the marriage significantly affects alimony eligibility: a short-term marriage is less than 10 years, a moderate-term marriage is 10-20 years, and a long-term marriage exceeds 20 years. For durational alimony, the award cannot exceed 50% of the marriage length for short-term marriages, 60% for moderate-term, and 75% for long-term marriages.
Courts consider multiple factors when determining alimony, including each spouse's earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each party's age and health, the contribution of each spouse to the marriage (including homemaking), and the responsibilities each party will have for minor children. Importantly, the 2023 reform introduced a rebuttable presumption against alimony for short-term marriages.
Alimony & Spousal Support Cases in Wellington
Wellington alimony cases are filed at the Palm Beach County Family Division courthouse at 205 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. The equestrian community's unique financial characteristics can complicate alimony proceedings - income from equestrian activities may be seasonal or variable, the marital standard of living may include equestrian-specific expenses (horse board, competition travel, facility maintenance), and one spouse's equestrian career may have been supported by the other's primary income. Marc Cohen's financial background helps properly characterize these unique circumstances in alimony determinations.
Why Choose Marc M. Cohen, P.A.? Marc Cohen's combined J.D. and MBA in Quantitative Analysis make him exceptionally qualified to handle alimony cases, which fundamentally require the ability to analyze and present complex financial evidence. Whether you are seeking fair support or defending against an excessive claim, Marc's ability to model income projections, analyze earning capacity, and quantify the marital standard of living provides a crucial advantage. With over 25 years of practice in South Florida family courts, Marc has handled alimony matters across every income bracket and marriage duration.
Contact a Wellington Alimony Attorney
If you need experienced legal representation for alimony & spousal support matters in Wellington, contact Marc M. Cohen, P.A. for a free consultation. Call (561) 740-3301 or contact us online to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Wellington, Palm Beach County, and all of South Florida.