What Can Stop Me From Receiving Alimony after a Florida Divorce?

Spousal support can be a welcome source of financial relief after a divorce, but could these payments eventually end? Due to a new divorce bill in Florida, the cessation of alimony is even more likely than ever before – and it may occur under a range of different circumstances. In the modern era, it makes sense to become aware of when and how your alimony payments might end in Florida.

Dissipation of Marital Assets 

If you dissipated or wasted marital assets during the marriage, you may lose eligibility for alimony after the divorce. The logic is simple: If you wasted marital assets, you’ve already done enough damage to your ex’s finances – and they shouldn’t have to pay you even more money on top of this. Examples of wasting or dissipating marital assets include:

• Making poor investments
• Excessive gambling
• Spending money on addictions
• Fueling affairs
• Destroying assets

 Retirement of the Paying Spouse 

Thanks to a recent divorce bill in Florida, retirement may now end alimony payments. The new bill also makes permanent alimony a thing of the past, which means that spouses should never have to pay their exes for the rest of their lives (at least not in theory). If you are receiving alimony and your ex retires, they may have the ability to stop any further payments. Note that spouses can only do this if they reach normal retirement age.

 Cohabitation or Remarriage after Divorce 

If you remarry, get into a supportive relationship, or begin cohabiting with someone new, your ex might have the ability to stop alimony payments. If the court sees that someone else is helping you pay your bills, they will naturally conclude that you no longer need financial support from your ex. It’s really that simple – although the specific definition of “cohabitation” may vary.

Changes in Financial Factors 

There are numerous financial factors that can change alimony payments in Florida – and these factors are often highly fluid. For example, a spouse earning a six-figure salary may suddenly find themselves replaced by artificial intelligence or a robot. They may then have no other option but to take a relatively low-paying job. They may also be demoted, or they may suffer a disability that prevents them from working.

The receiving spouse’s financial situation may also change over time. They might receive an inheritance, or their income may suddenly increase. They might even win the lottery. When a spouse clearly has enough money to pay their own bills, courts generally accept that alimony is no longer necessary.

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. The most logical way to determine when and how your alimony might end is to speak with a qualified, experienced divorce lawyer at your earliest convenience. A consultation can provide more targeted information based on your specific situation. Your alimony payments may come to an end sooner than you think – so book your consultation today.

Sources: 

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

news.wfsu.org/state-news/2023-07-02/a-new-law-puts-an-end-to-permanent-alimony-in-florida