Orlando Spousal Support Lawyer

Protecting Your Financial Stability During and After Divorce

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to guide individuals through the financial complexities of divorce, including the pursuit or defense of spousal support (alimony). Spousal support can significantly impact your financial security. Whether you are seeking support, facing an alimony request, or negotiating the terms of a divorce, our attorneys work to ensure that your rights and long-term financial interests are fully protected.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive honest guidance, clear communication, and strategic advocacy. Our Orlando spousal support lawyers analyze the financial realities of each case to build strong arguments that reflect the marriage’s history, each spouse’s contributions, and Florida’s legal standards for alimony.

Understanding Spousal Support in Florida

Spousal support (also known as alimony) is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. Florida law allows courts to award alimony when one spouse has a demonstrated need and the other has the financial ability to pay. Factors influencing whether alimony is awarded include:

• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Age and health of each spouse
• Financial resources and earning capacity
• Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and childcare)
• Education and career sacrifices
• Time needed for a spouse to become self-supporting
• Tax consequences of alimony awards

Our attorneys help clients understand how these factors apply to their specific situation and what type of support may be appropriate.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Florida recognizes several different forms of alimony, each serving a different purpose depending on the needs of the spouse and the circumstances of the marriage. These forms include:

Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony provides financial support while the divorce case is pending. It ensures that both spouses can maintain basic living expenses during the legal process.

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

Bridge-the-gap alimony helps a spouse transition from married to single life. It is intended for short-term needs and cannot exceed two years.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse who needs education, training, or certifications to become self-supporting. The spouse must present a concrete plan outlining their goals.

Durational Alimony

Durational alimony provides financial support for a set period of time when permanent alimony is not appropriate. The duration cannot exceed the length of the marriage.

Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony may be awarded in long-term marriages when a spouse cannot become financially independent due to age, health, or other circumstances. While less common than other forms, courts may still award it if justified.

How Courts Determine the Amount of Alimony

Determining the amount and duration of alimony involves careful financial review. Courts consider factors such as:

• Income and financial resources of both spouses
• Monthly living expenses and budgets
• Employment history and job skills
• Marital lifestyle
• Personal and professional sacrifices made during the marriage
• Health insurance needs
• Whether one spouse interrupted their career to support the other

We work with financial professionals when appropriate to ensure accurate evaluation of income, expenses, and earning capacity.

Alimony in Short-Term, Moderate-Term, and Long-Term Marriages

Florida categorizes marriages by length, which directly affects alimony:

• Short-term marriage: Less than 10 years
• Moderate-term marriage: 10–20 years
• Long-term marriage: More than 20 years

The longer the marriage, the stronger the case for significant alimony. However, even short-term marriages may justify support depending on circumstances.

Alimony and High-Net-Worth Divorce

Spousal support issues can become especially complicated in high-income or high-asset divorces. These cases may involve:

• Executive compensation packages
• Business ownership
• Bonuses and commissions
• Stock options or RSUs
• Deferred compensation
• Complex tax considerations

We ensure that alimony calculations reflect the full financial picture.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

After a divorce, alimony may be modified or terminated under certain conditions, such as:

• A substantial and permanent change in financial circumstances
• Involuntary job loss
• Major health issues
• Retirement
• Remarriage of the recipient spouse
• Supportive relationships that reduce the recipient’s need

Our attorneys help clients petition for modification, defend alimony awards, or seek termination when appropriate.

Enforcement of Alimony Orders

When a spouse fails to pay court-ordered alimony, enforcement actions may be necessary. Options include:

• Contempt proceedings
• Wage garnishment
• Liens
• Interception of tax refunds
• Driver’s license suspension
• Bank account garnishment

We help clients enforce alimony orders to ensure they receive the support the court awarded.

Alimony and Tax Implications

Tax considerations play a significant role in alimony negotiations. Changes to federal tax law have impacted:

• How alimony is deducted
• How alimony is reported
• The financial effect on both spouses

We help clients understand the tax implications of various alimony structures to support informed decision-making.

What to Do If You Are Seeking Alimony

If you believe you are entitled to spousal support, take these steps:

• Gather financial documents
• Record your monthly expenses
• Document your contributions to the marriage
• Avoid making major financial changes during divorce
• Discuss your long-term goals with your attorney

Preparation helps strengthen your case for support.

What to Do If Your Spouse Requests Alimony

If your spouse is seeking alimony from you:

• Do not agree to terms without legal advice
• Document your income and reasonable expenses
• Address any claims of hidden income
• Explore settlement options
• Consider the long-term financial impact

We work to ensure that any alimony awarded is fair, reasonable, and supported by evidence.

The Spousal Support Process in Florida

Although each divorce is unique, the spousal support process generally follows these steps.

Filing or Responding to a Petition

Alimony may be requested when filing for divorce or in response to the petition.

Financial Disclosure

Both spouses exchange detailed financial affidavits and supporting documents.

Negotiation and Mediation

The parties attempt to resolve alimony issues through negotiation or mediation.

Trial

If they cannot agree, a judge determines whether alimony is appropriate and in what amount.

Final Judgment

The final divorce order includes binding alimony provisions.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles every aspect of financial and custody-related divorce issues, including:

• Spousal support and alimony
• Retirement and pension division
• High-asset and complex divorce
• Child support and parenting plans
• Post-judgment modification
• Enforcement and contempt cases
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Paternity matters
• Property and asset division

Our attorneys offer steady guidance and strong representation to help clients move toward financial independence and stability.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Alimony and divorce cases are handled at the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

Mediation is required before trial in most alimony disputes.

Orlando Spousal Support FAQs

How is alimony determined in Florida?

Courts evaluate the need for support and the other spouse’s ability to pay, along with multiple statutory factors.

Is alimony automatically awarded?

No. It must be requested, supported by evidence, and approved by the court.

Can alimony be waived?

Yes. Spouses can agree to waive alimony in a prenuptial, postnuptial, or divorce agreement.

Does cheating affect alimony?

Marital misconduct may influence alimony if it has financial consequences.

Can alimony be modified?

Yes, when there is a substantial, lasting change in circumstances.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Spousal Support Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand how crucial spousal support can be to your financial future. Whether you are seeking alimony or defending against it, our attorneys provide determined advocacy and practical guidance to help you secure a fair outcome. We stand by your side throughout the process, protecting your rights and working to ensure long-term stability.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your spousal support case.