Proving Your Ex Doesn’t Need Alimony in Orlando

Although Florida has ended permanent alimony, it still makes sense to reduce your payments as much as possible during the first few years after a divorce in Orlando. One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is to show that your ex doesn’t actually need your financial support. You can do this by proving that they have access to significant assets, income, or other forms of economic security – and a divorce lawyer may be able to help.

Proving Equal Income

 An obvious first step is to consider your ex’s on-paper income. If they are earning approximately the same amount as you, there is no need to pay alimony. Spousal support is only necessary when there is an income disparity between spouses.

For example, your spouse might immediately re-enter the job market after the end of the marriage. If they start earning significant sums, you can use their income statements and tax returns to prove that alimony is not fair – and not legally required.

 Proving Concealed Assets 

Some forms of income are not as clear-cut as paychecks. For example, your ex might draw income from a trust fund. Perhaps they earn dividends from shares in a company or treasury bill yields. Whatever the case may be, it is important to consider all forms of income – and not just paychecks. Some of these income sources may be subtle or even concealed.

Keep in mind that many families structure their estate plans in ways to maximize economic security for their beneficiaries. Often, these strategies also involve minimizing tax consequences – leading to trust funds and other strategies that can be difficult to detect. An experienced alimony lawyer may be able to help you uncover hidden sources of income – allowing you to avoid paying spousal support.

 Proving Cohabitation 

Finally, it is possible to avoid paying alimony if someone else starts supporting your ex. The most common situation involves a spouse starting a new relationship and moving in with a different partner. If you suspect that this might have happened, notify your family law attorney immediately. Florida law allows you to stop paying alimony as soon as your ex becomes financially involved with a new partner.

Note that you may need to gather evidence of this new cohabitation in order to cease your alimony payments – and this is something a lawyer may be able to assist with.

Can an Orlando Alimony Lawyer Help Me Avoid Paying? 

If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding alimony, consider a consultation with an experienced Orlando alimony lawyer. Choose Steve Marsee, P.A. – and discuss your unique situation today during a consultation. This initial meeting is the ideal starting point for productive discussions – and you can begin to develop an action plan within days. Reach out to begin this important discussion.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0800-0899/0856/Sections/0856.04.html