Getting Spousal Support When You are Disabled in Florida

In places like West Palm Beach, Orlando, Boca Raton, and other cities in Florida, not all cases presented within the court system involve support from one spouse to the other. The obligation of one spouse to support the other financially for a temporary or permanent basis is decided on a case-by-case basis as agreed to by the parties or at the court’s discretion.

Florida Statute, Chapter 61.08, in a nutshell, states that in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, the court may grant alimony to either party, which alimony may be rehabilitative or permanent in nature.

In any award of alimony, the court may order periodic payments or payments in lump sum or both. The court may consider the adultery of either spouse and the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded.

In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court shall consider all relevant economic factors, including but not limited to: the standard of living established during the marriage; the duration of the marriage; the age and the physical and emotional condition of each party; the financial resources of each party including the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each; when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment; the contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party; all sources of income available to either party; and the court may consider any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.

In addition, to the extent necessary to protect an award of alimony, the court may order any party who is ordered to pay alimony to purchase or maintain a life insurance policy or a bond, or to otherwise secure such alimony award with any other assets which may be suitable for that purpose.

Under these guidelines as set out by state statute, unless the two divorcing spouses can come to a voluntary and legal agreement, the Circuit Court in the County of jurisdiction will decide if there will be any spousal support for a person who is disabled. If you are disabled, or you have a spouse that is disabled, and you are seeking a divorce, you are probably going to need legal counseling to help you decide the best avenue for your situation.

Contact us right now at www.divorceattorneyhome.com, and we will help you locate a divorce attorney in your area that can answer all your legal questions.