Alimony Attorney (Spousal Support) – Central Florida

Supporting Fair Outcomes for Both Sides

Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it, alimony can deeply impact your financial future. We help you understand Florida’s spousal support laws and fight for a solution that fits your circumstances.

What is Alimony?

Florida’s Definition of Spousal Support

Alimony—also called spousal support or spousal maintenance—is a court-ordered financial arrangement where one ex-spouse provides financial assistance to the other after divorce. In Florida, alimony exists to prevent one party from being left at a financial disadvantage, especially in cases where one spouse supported the household while the other advanced a career.



Recent legal reforms in Florida have reshaped alimony options, including the elimination of permanent alimony in 2023. Today, courts award support with clearly defined timelines and justifications.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Support That Matches the Situation

Florida recognizes several types of alimony depending on the length of marriage and the needs of the spouses. While each serves a different purpose, the goal is always to balance fairness with financial ability.


Here are the types of alimony you may encounter:

  • Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: Short-term support to help a spouse transition to single life.
  • Rehabilitative Alimony: Support tied to a plan for education or job training to restore self-sufficiency.
  • Durational Alimony: A fixed-term award for moderate-length marriages or when permanent support isn’t appropriate.
  • Temporary Alimony (Pendente Lite): Support during the divorce process, before the final order is entered.

Factors That Influence Alimony

No Formula—But Clear Criteria

Unlike child support, alimony in Florida isn’t based on a rigid formula. The court considers a variety of factors to determine whether support is appropriate, and if so, how much and for how long. Both need and ability to pay must be proven.


Commonly evaluated factors include:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Standard of living during the marriage
  • Each party’s age, health, and earning ability
  • Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking, childcare, and career support)
  • Existing financial resources and debts
  • Any tax implications or additional responsibilities (like caring for dependents)

How We Approach Alimony Cases

Advocacy That Respects Your Needs and Rights

Whether you’re the one requesting support or defending against an unfair demand, our goal is to make sure the outcome is just and sustainable. We build a clear picture of your finances—verifying all income, expenses, and lifestyle factors—to ensure fair negotiations or a strong case in court.


Kathleen Davies has decades of experience negotiating settlements and litigating complex financial disputes. We’re not here to escalate conflict—we’re here to fight for what’s fair.

Alimony & Taxes

What You Need to Know Now

Before 2019, alimony was tax-deductible for the paying spouse and taxable for the recipient. That rule has changed: today, alimony is not deductible by the payer, nor taxable to the recipient under federal law. We help clients understand the real impact of this shift when calculating long-term financial plans or settlement options.

Connected Financial Issues

Alimony Doesn’t Stand Alone

Alimony often overlaps with property division and child support. For example, a larger property award may reduce a spouse’s need for ongoing support, or a custody/time-sharing schedule could shift each parent’s financial obligations. We look at the big picture to ensure your full financial reality is addressed—not just one line on the form.

Woman holding a smiling child on a trampoline in a backyard. Green dress, red dress.
Watercolor illustration of green parsley sprig.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Alimony Concerns

  • How long do you have to be married to qualify for alimony in Florida?

    There’s no minimum length required, but the duration of the marriage affects the type and length of alimony. Generally, under 7 years is considered short-term, 7–17 years is moderate-term, and over 17 years is long-term. Courts are more likely to award longer-term or more substantial support for longer marriages.

  • Can I get alimony if I worked during the marriage?

    Yes. Even if you had a job, alimony may be appropriate if there’s a significant gap in income, if you sacrificed career advancement to support the marriage, or if you now face greater hardship post-divorce. The law looks at the total financial picture, not just whether both parties earned income.

  • Can alimony be modified later?

    Yes, but only under certain conditions. A significant change in income, retirement, health, or other life circumstances may justify modifying or terminating alimony. The court must approve the change—verbal agreements between ex-spouses are not legally binding.

  • What if my ex isn’t paying the alimony they owe?

    Alimony orders are enforceable through Florida courts. If your ex refuses to pay, you can file a motion for contempt or enforcement. Penalties may include wage garnishment or fines. However, unlike child support, there is no state agency to enforce spousal support, so legal representation is often essential.

  • Is alimony affected by remarriage or new relationships?

    Yes. In most cases, if the recipient remarries, alimony ends. Some types of alimony may also terminate if the recipient enters a supportive, long-term relationship similar to marriage. The paying spouse may need to petition the court to prove that a qualifying change has occurred.