Florida Now Provides More Ways to End Your Alimony

A divorce can have a real financial impact on many spouses, and alimony is one of the many burdens that you may be dealing with as you approach post-divorce life. Some might argue that the entire concept of alimony is archaic, as it dates back to a time when women were literally banned from earning a living. But while Florida may still order spouses to pay alimony, it is slowly dialing back this burden and providing more economic freedoms for paying spouses. Perhaps most notably, a recent change makes it easier to modify or cease your alimony altogether.

The Definition of a “Supportive Relationship” Has Changed

 Those who have been paying alimony may be aware that these payments can stop if your ex starts a new “supportive relationship.” Essentially, this means that if your ex moves in with someone new, you no longer need to support them financially. The logic is that they are already receiving financial support from their new partner. A major change that was recently introduced involves the definition of a “supportive relationship.” Under the new bill, this relationship does not need to be “conjugal” in nature. In other words, it could be a platonic relationship rather than a romantic relationship that mimics a normal marriage. However, it cannot be someone related to the spouse through “consanguinity,” which means a blood relationship.

Effectively, this refers to roommates pooling their resources together – or perhaps business partners who begin supporting each other with living costs. If you believe that your spouse is being financially supported by someone else, you should get in touch with an attorney and determine whether alimony can cease – whether or not the relationship is romantic in nature.

Those Who Retire Can Reliably Stop Paying Alimony 

If you retire, you can now cease alimony with greater reliability. As long as you have reached “normal retirement age,” you should have the ability to terminate or reduce your alimony fairly easily. Note that the definition of “normal retirement age” may vary depending on your unique situation, as various careers may have varying retirement ages. For example, firefighters tend to retire somewhat earlier than most professions. A good rule of thumb is to follow the normal retirement age set forth by the Social Security Administration. Note that you can begin the process of reducing or terminating alimony a full six months before you plan to retire.

Spouses Who Squander Funds May Stop Receiving Alimony

 Finally, a new rule states that spouses may lose their access to alimony if they show a pattern of squandering these funds. For example, they might have wasted virtually all of their divorce settlement and their alimony on frivolous expenses, such as designer clothing and sports cars. They might have been fueling a drug or gambling addiction with their alimony. Proving these irresponsible actions can help you stop paying alimony.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Alimony Attorney in Florida? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Orlando family attorney, look no further than Steve Marsee, P.A. We keep a close eye on new changes in Florida’s divorce laws, and we can help you take full advantage of these changes. Paying less alimony is a no-brainer, so get in touch today to get started with an effective action plan. Remember, internet research only gets you so far.

Source: 

flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1416/BillText/Filed/PDF#page=18