The Dangers of Paying Lump-Sum Alimony in Florida

If you are approaching a divorce in Florida, you might feel tempted to provide your ex with a lump-sum alimony payment. Your logic might be to “get it over with” and part ways with your ex without ever having to deal with them again. Seeing money drained from your account each month can serve as a constant reminder of your divorce – something that many Florida residents want to forget as quickly as possible. Lump-sum alimony comes with several risks, however – especially given the passing of new laws in the Sunshine State.

Lump-Sum Alimony Prevents Modification in the Future 

The main issue with lump-sum alimony is that once you have made this payment, there is no going back. Specifically, there is no way to alter your payment at a later date if your financial situation changes. In contrast, gradual alimony payments can be modified – potentially leading to savings in the future.

This issue is even more important when you consider recent changes in Florida’s divorce laws. Today, permanent alimony is no longer legal. In addition, it has become much easier to end alimony in the event of retirement. Note that this date of retirement may come earlier than you expect. You might see yourself working for many more decades – but things can change over time. Eventually, you might realize that you have the necessary financial stability to retire and stop working. If this occurs, you could theoretically end your alimony obligations early.

Note that this would not be possible if you had already paid a lump-sum alimony settlement at the time of your divorce. This lump-sum payment may have been calculated based on many more decades of work than you actually carry out if your career ends earlier than expected.

Early retirement is not the only potential life change that can lead to modification of alimony. You might also end or reduce these payments early if you suffer a career-ending disability, for example. You can also reduce your alimony payments if you have a new child in a subsequent marriage.

Lump-Sum Alimony Can Be Advantageous in Certain Situations 

With all that said, a lump-sum payment could still be the right move for certain spouses. For example, if you expect your income to dramatically increase after a divorce, a lump-sum payment could prevent your spouse from increasing your payments in the future. In addition, a lump-sum payment may be the best way to cut ties with a spouse after a particularly bitter or combative divorce trial.

Find a Qualified Alimony Attorney in Orlando 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced alimony attorney in Orlando, consider working alongside Steve Marsee, P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous divorcing spouses approach the subject of divorce with confidence and efficiency. The truth is that lump-sum alimony can be beneficial or detrimental depending on your unique circumstances. To choose the most appropriate option based on your situation, consider discussing the subject with us during a consultation.

Sources: 

flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2023/html/2984

floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-news/gov-desantis-signs-alimony-reform-measure/