Is Alimony Capped in Orlando?

You may have heard that permanent alimony has been abolished in Florida. You might have also heard that durational alimony typically lasts for no longer than 50% of a marriage’s length. But what about the actual amounts that you’ll pay (or receive)? Is alimony in Orlando capped, or could you end up paying limitless sums to your ex? This might be something worth asking an experienced divorce attorney.

Alimony Caps in Florida Explained

When it comes to the dollar amount of alimony, the caps in Florida are quite simple. You will not have to pay more than 35% of the difference between your income and that of your ex. For example, you might earn $100,000 per year while your ex earns $50,000. In this situation, the difference between your incomes is $50,000. 35% of $50,000 is $17,500, so this is the maximum you would need to pay in alimony over the course of a year. These payments typically occur monthly, so this would translate into about $1,460 per month.

So There’s No Upper Limit on Alimony in Florida?

You should also know that the judge is obliged to consider your ex’s legitimate financial needs when awarding alimony. This ensures that you will not have to pay astronomical sums if your income is particularly high. For example, you might be a high-net-worth CEO who earns a combined sum of $12 million per year in salary, bonuses, incentives, and stock options. What if your ex earns just $50,000 per year in comparison?

Based on the 35% rule, you might worry that you’ll need to pay millions of dollars each year in alimony in this situation. However, your ex might not actually need millions of dollars each month to pay their bills and maintain their previous standard of living. A judge should always choose the lesser figure when deciding whether to award 35% of the income difference or to meet the recipient’s financial needs.

The Judge Might Consider More Than Just Income

When determining your ex’s “reasonable financial needs,” the judge might consider more than just their income. For example, they might have inherited millions of dollars during your marriage. In this situation, your ex might be perfectly capable of maintaining their standard of living without your financial assistance. A judge should be aware of these realities and make appropriate alimony decisions as a result.

Can an Experienced Alimony Attorney in Orlando Help Me?

If you’re concerned about the amount of money you’ll have to pay in alimony, consider speaking with a spousal support attorney in Orlando. A consultation with one of these legal professionals might also be productive if you’re concerned about how much money you’ll receive in alimony. The truth is that while alimony might be capped in Florida, the exact amount depends on the income of each spouse. Discuss this subject in more detail with Steve Marsee, P.A.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html