The person asking for alimony must show the court that he or she needs financial support, and that the other spouse has the ability to provide financial support.
Marital assets include things like the marital home, retirement accounts, investments, cars, and personal possessions bought jointly or individually during the marriage. Credit card debt and loans taken out in both spouses' names are also divided. The goal is an equal 50/50 split.
If you are still living with your spouse or former spouse, alimony payments are not tax-deductible. You must make payments after physical separation for them to qualify as tax-deductible. Don't file a joint tax return. If you and your spouse file a joint income tax return, you can't deduct alimony payments.
The court's must look at whether the spouse requesting alimony has a need and then determine if the other spouse has the ability to satisfy, all or part, of that need. Typically, courts look at the surplus or deficit on each party's financial affidavit when determining if alimony should be awarded.
There is a rebuttable presumption for an award of permanent alimony in a long-term marriage, which is 17 years or longer. There is no presumption for or against permanent alimony in a moderate-term marriage, which is a marriage greater than 7 years but less than 17 years.
In Florida, self-sufficiency can disqualify you from receiving spousal support or alimony in Florida. If the court determines that you have the financial means or can gain employment to meet your needs of independently, you may not be eligible for alimony.
What qualifies a recipient spouse for alimony in Florida are several factors, among them: The standard of living established during the marriage. The length of the marriage. Both spouse's financial resources, including the non-marital, marital property, assets, and liabilities.
AMOUNT OF DURATIONAL ALIMONY UNDER AMENDED FLORIDA LAW The amount of durational alimony is the lesser of the seeking spouse's actual need and 35 percent of the difference between both spouses' net income. Net income is determined under 61.30(2) and (3), Florida Statutes.