Alimony & Child Support
When people think about divorce, for many, one of the first things that comes to mind is their finances. Will they be expected to pay alimony? Will they have the financial means to live independently? Who will pay child support? Although most people know a little about alimony and child support, much of the information they have is inaccurate.
People are often surprised at what their financial rights and responsibilities will be after the divorce. Whether you are concerned with paying or receiving support, a Fort Myers child support attorney can help you understand exactly what to expect. At O'Halloran & Simmons, PLLC, we have more than 45 years of experience guiding individuals in a personal manner through family law matters.
Understanding Alimony Payments
Alimony (also called spousal support or spousal maintenance) is determined based on one person’s need and the other person’s ability to pay. At O’Halloran and O’Halloran we clearly explain this area and advise you expertly. Many factors of the marriage, including the length of the marriage, financial needs and lifestyles of each spouse, will determine if support is necessary, and if so, what kind will be awarded:
- Temporary – usually applies while the divorce is pending
- Bridge the gap – intended to provide financial help until the spouse can return to self-sufficiency
- Rehabilitative – used to help a spouse while he or she learns new skills in order to earn more money
- Durational – new to the state of Florida, in cases where the marriages lasted from 7 to 17 years
- Permanent – reserved for long term marriages and other cases under special consideration
Paying or Receiving Child Support
Child support is based on a number of factors, including the amount of time the children spend with each parent, the income available to both parties and a formula provided by the Florida statute. Child support is meant to help either parent cover the costs of insurance, child care and other daily expenses.
Contact an Experienced Fort Myers Alimony and Spousal Support Attorney
Because there have been significant changes to the laws regarding alimony, it is important to work with a lawyer who can make sure your rights are protected. Because our practice is focused on family law matters, we are able to stay up to date with the most current laws and legal trends.
We use the correct legal tools to make sure our clients pay or receive the appropriate financial support. Learn more about the most effective way to protect your financial rights by scheduling your initial consultation. We can be reached by calling 239-603-6337.