Alimony & Spousal Support
Miami Alimony Attorney
Whether you are asking for alimony or have been asked to pay it, the outcome can affect your finances for years. Attorney Ada M. Barreto represents both spouses who request support and spouses who pay it throughout South Florida.
How We Can Help
What Florida Law Says
Florida changed its alimony law in 2023. Permanent alimony no longer exists for new cases. Today, the court can award four types of alimony:
- Temporary alimony: support while the divorce case is pending.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: help with short-term needs during the transition from married to single life, for up to 2 years.
- Rehabilitative alimony: support while a spouse completes education or training to become self-supporting, for up to 5 years, based on a specific plan.
- Durational alimony: support for a set period based on the length of the marriage. It is not available for marriages of less than 3 years.
The court first decides whether one spouse needs support and whether the other spouse has the ability to pay. It then considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and resources, the standard of living during the marriage, and each spouse's contributions to the family.
The Process
Consultation
We review your marriage, income and goals.
Financial disclosure
Both spouses exchange financial information as required in every Florida divorce.
Analysis
We evaluate need, ability to pay and the type of alimony that may apply.
Negotiation or mediation
Many alimony issues are resolved by agreement.
Court decision
If there is no agreement, the judge decides.