West Palm Beach Alimony and Spousal Support Lawyer

Guiding Clients Through the Alimony Process in Palm Beach County  

Alimony is often a source of contention in divorce because the spouse who has to pay the alimony may believe the amount is too high, or the spouse receiving the alimony may believe the amount is insufficient. What was the original idea behind alimony? It ensured that one spouse was not at a significant disadvantage after the termination of a marriage. This usually applied to women who, in the past, were less likely to earn the same wage as their husbands.

But in modern times, it is becoming more common for judges to order a woman to pay alimony to a man in a divorce, and this speaks to the growing equality in pay between women and men. Issues involving spousal support are complex. Our experienced alimony lawyer in West Palm Beach can help keep you from making a mistake that could cost you for years to come.


Contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire today at (561) 677-8090 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our alimony and spousal support attorneys in West Palm Beach.


How is Alimony Determined in Florida?

The state of Florida does not have a formula that judges can use to determine the amount of alimony that one former spouse should pay another. As a result, judges must take into account a number of different factors, which include:

  • How long was the couple married? – the longer the marriage lasted, the more likely that one spouse will have to pay alimony. This is because, in a long-lasting marriage, there is a higher likelihood of obtaining advanced degrees and achieving promotions at work.
  • What was the standard of living? – this takes into account things such as the number and types of vacations that a couple took and the value of a couple’s possessions, including their home or homes.
  • What is the age and physical condition of each spouse? – if one spouse is in poor health, this could influence the awarding of alimony.
  • What is the income level and assets of each spouse? – this can include real estate ventures and stock market investments.
  • What is each spouse’s future income potential? – if both spouses have advanced degrees, then a judge may not be as willing to award alimony, believing that they are both capable of earning a living in the future.
  • What contribution did each spouse make to the marriage? – did one spouse sacrifice to allow the other spouse to earn a college degree, or stay home to take care of children, agree to move to another state due to the other spouse’s job relocation?

Types of Alimony in Florida

If you are awaiting the determination of alimony in a divorce, you should be aware that judges in Florida can award several types of spousal support, including:

  • Lump-Sum Alimony – a one-time monetary or property payment that a judge can order when making installment alimony payments is not possible.
  • Temporary Alimony – paid to ensure that one spouse can cover household expenses until finalizing the divorce.
  • Rehabilitative Alimony – paid only until one spouse has the financial means to support themselves. It is typically awarded in marriages that did not last a long time. This ensures that one spouse has enough time to complete education or work training to create financial self-sufficiency. The spouse receiving this type of alimony must create a rehabilitative plan that the court approves.
  • Durational Alimony – paid only for a specified period of time. The support cannot last longer than the marriage. This is why this alimony is usually approved in cases in which a marriage lasted a short time.
  • Bridge the Gap Alimony – paid for a maximum of two years to help a spouse transition into a single-earner’s life.

Contact Our Alimony and Spousal Support Attorney in West Palm Beach Today

If you have filed for divorce, please call our alimony lawyer in West Palm Beach, Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. at (561) 677-8090, for your personalized legal consultation. We know how to help you navigate through the difficulties of a divorce and to ensure that alimony payments are fair and just.


Contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire today to get started with our West Palm Beach alimony and spousal support lawyer.


What Our Clients Have to Say

  • “He is a wonderful lawyer and wonderful person, I always felt cared for and knew he never had anything but my best interest at heart!”

    - A. Presnell
  • A true advocate. “Eric was effective in and out of court with the Judge, the opposing counsel, and me.” Frank
  • Our experience was excellent! “The process didn’t take long, and ended in the awesome success of the legal adoption of our daughter!” Former Client
  • Wisely advised me! “We ended with great results! I have been so impressed, through this whole process, of Eric’s knowledge and expertise and high standards.” Former Client
  • Eric made my dreams come true! “Adopting my child was the most important decision of my life and Eric Cheshire was very instrumental in making this happen.” Former Client

Get Started Today

Family law issues such as divorce, child custody, and alimony are complex and difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced family law attorney. Contact us today for a personal consultation with attorney Eric C. Cheshire.

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