Diagnosed With Coronary Heart Disease in Orlando: Do I Still Have to Pay Alimony?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with this, you are not alone. If you received your diagnosis after an alimony order in Orlando, you might be wondering whether or not you still need to pay. If you were diagnosed with coronary heart disease before or during your divorce, you might also wonder the same thing. An experienced alimony attorney in Orlando may be able to address these concerns.

Coronary Heart Disease Is Considered a Disability

 Coronary heart disease, also known simply as “CAD,” can be classified as a disability in the United States. However, the specific classification depends entirely on the disease’s impact on your earning capacity. If the CAD prevents you from earning your normal income (or working at all), you may be able to have your condition classified as a legal “disability.”

Aside from collecting disability benefits, you might also want to review your alimony situation after a coronary heart disease diagnosis. If this condition genuinely affects your ability to earn income, this may constitute a “change in circumstance.” A significant change in circumstance is the only way you can modify an alimony agreement in Florida.

For example, you might receive a CAD diagnosis and subsequently quit your job due to your new condition. You might also start a new job that pays less than your previous career path. If you can show the family court that these changes have occurred, you may be able to reduce or completely halt your alimony payments.

However, you should know that Florida courts consider your assets as well as your income. If you have significant wealth saved up, your CAD’s effects on your income may not be enough to reduce or eliminate your alimony obligations. This is something you might want to discuss with your attorney.

What if I Am Still in the Middle of a Divorce? 

If you received your CAD diagnosis shortly before or during your divorce, you might want to highlight this issue in order to reduce or eliminate your alimony. However, you should know that drawing attention to your disorder may have unintended consequences for child custody. Once the family court becomes aware of your issue, it may doubt whether you have the physical and financial capacity to care for your child. This could result in unfavorable child custody outcomes.

Can an Alimony Lawyer in Orlando Help Me Avoid Alimony? 

A new diagnosis of a medical issue like coronary heart disease could affect many aspects of your divorce, including alimony and even child custody. While your doctors can handle your medical treatment, you might want to speak with a family law attorney in Orlando to handle the legal aspects of your situation. To learn more about the next steps, contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Sources:

 healthline.com/health/heart-disease/is-coronary-artery-disease-a-disability

cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/23_0267.htm#:~:text=We%20used%20the%2010%20most,skin%20cancer)%2C%20and%20depression.