What Can I Use My Alimony for in Orlando?

Many spouses are somewhat apprehensive about the thought of receiving alimony after a divorce in Orlando. They may be intent on following a set of rules when spending or investing these funds, and they may be worried that some higher authority will oversee their spending habits. While it is important to use alimony funds wisely, these fears are mostly unfounded. You can speak about your alimony needs in more detail alongside an experienced family law attorney.

You Can Spend Your Alimony Any Way You Like 

First of all, it’s important to understand that you may not be subject to any rules or restrictions when it comes to how you spend your spousal support funds. For the most part, you are free to use these funds however you like. For normal alimony agreements, there is no organization that monitors how you spend this money.

 Rehabilitative Alimony Represents a Notable Exception 

That said, there is one notable exception when it comes to alimony spending rules: Rehabilitative alimony. This is a specific type of alimony designed to help you become financially independent. Rehabilitative alimony revolves around a clear plan set forth by the recipient (you). For example, you might work with your family law attorney to develop a clear plan for obtaining certain professional qualifications at a post-secondary institution.

Once this plan is approved by a family law judge, you must adhere to it. If you spend your funds on non-education-related expenses, you may encounter consequences. If these spending deviations make your education plans impossible, you may lose access to further alimony payments. For example, you might spend your tuition fees on a new car during one semester of college education, making it impossible to earn your degree.

 What Alimony Is Supposed to Cover In Florida

 Putting rehabilitative alimony aside, the main purpose of spousal support is to maintain the standard of living that you enjoyed during your marriage. As a result, you may be perfectly justified in spending these funds on rent, food, and other living expenses. If you were married to a high-net-worth individual, you might also be justified in spending the funds on various luxuries, including designer clothes and lavish vacations. But while this spending might be unmonitored, it will not last forever. New laws in Florida have abolished permanent alimony, and it may be more advisable to invest your alimony funds wisely while you still can.

Find an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Orlando 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced Orlando alimony attorney, look no further than Steve Marsee, P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses with their alimony needs. Although you might not need to worry about how you spend your alimony from a purely legal perspective, it still makes sense to approach these payments in an efficient manner. A consultation with a lawyer can clear up many misconceptions and points of confusion. Reach out today to continue this discussion in more detail.

Source:

cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-gov-desantis-signs-bill-ending-permanent-alimony/