Rehabilitative Alimony in Orlando: What Education Should I Pursue?

With the abolishment of permanent alimony in Florida, rehabilitative alimony has now become the norm. As a result, many spouses are wondering what they should do with these funds as they seek financial independence after an Orlando divorce. It may be necessary to choose an educational path to gain the necessary qualifications or certifications for higher earning capacity. What is the best way to approach this challenge?

It May Make Sense to Finish Your Degree 

The first logical step is to consider your existing education. You may have unfinished degrees, diplomas, and certifications that could be relatively easy to obtain. Perhaps you never earned your degree because you had to focus on childcare and homemaking. Maybe you only need to earn a few more credits at a local community college in order to earn your degree and re-enter the workforce with an attractive qualification under your belt.

That being said, the nature of your unfinished degree matters. Some degrees lead to numerous work opportunities, while others may be relatively unattractive to prospective employers. The general rule is that there is a greater demand for STEM degrees compared to arts degrees in Florida. For example, you may struggle to find meaningful employment after finishing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. In contrast, there may be numerous work opportunities for those who finish their computer science degrees.

Opportunities in construction trades can be highly lucrative, and they are associated with relatively short training periods. Various sources state that welding is a particularly in-demand trade in Orlando, and it is possible to earn the necessary qualifications with less than two years of training.

More Realistic Plans Are More Likely to Be Approved

 When planning out how to fund your education with rehabilitative alimony funds, it is important to be realistic. Your plan is more likely to be approved by the family court if it has a strong chance of success. While you should take your existing skills and interests into account when planning a new career path, you should focus on plans that can actually provide economic security. It may not be viable to choose an educational path with no guarantee of reliable income.

Diplomas and Other Certifications May Make More Sense 

Even if you have existing credits for an unfinished degree, it makes more sense to pursue a quicker diploma or certificate. This is particularly true for certifications that lead to immediate, almost guaranteed employment. For example, various universities in Florida state that you can become a dental assistant with less than a year of training. You might also consider a profession in real estate, as it is relatively easy to obtain the necessary licenses and training.

Can a Spousal Support Lawyer in Orlando Help With Rehabilitative Alimony? 

A spousal support lawyer in Orlando may be able to help spouses plan their rehabilitative alimony plans. While the right education path depends entirely on your unique circumstances, some plans may be more likely to gain approval from family courts in Florida. To learn more about rehabilitative alimony and regaining financial independence post-divorce, schedule a consultation with Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Sources: 

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

coursera.org/articles/jobs-in-demand-in-florida