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Representing You With Compassion And Care

Many people have misconceptions about alimony.

Often, the parties can choose to include the payment of alimony in the divorce settlement or opt out of alimony altogether. However, the court can order the payment of alimony on a temporary or durational basis.

At Pickett Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the legal, financial, and tax implications of this subject. Your Jacksonville alimony attorney will help you make the right decisions about alimony and work diligently to achieve your objectives.

For more information about alimony as it relates to your situation, contact our family law firm.

Alimony and the Law

Alimony is sometimes referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance. In Florida, there are four types of alimony:

  • Temporary Alimony — This is court-ordered support that may be awarded from the time of separation until the final judgment of the divorce.
  • Durational Alimony — Durational alimony is financial support that lasts for a specific time frame determined by the length of marriage or until the remarriage of the recipient’s spouse or the death of either spouse.
  • Bridge-the-Gap Alimony — This is typically awarded in cases to fulfill a specific and limited purpose of "bridging" short-term financial difficulties of one spouse as a result of the transition from married to single life.
  • Rehabilitative Alimony — This type of alimony provides short-term support. It is intended to help a former spouse obtain the education or skills needed to earn a living and become self-sufficient.
  • Permanent Alimony — Permanent alimony was abolished as of July 1, 2023.
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Legal, Financial, and Tax Considerations

Alimony is no longer allowed as a tax deduction for the obligor and is treated as non-taxable income for the recipient. On the other hand, property received as part of an equitable distribution of marital property is not taxed.

It can make sense then to negotiate an outcome that excludes the alimony payment in favor of a particular property settlement in some cases where larger property settlements are at issue.

In addition to being a lawyer, our founding attorney, Lee Pickett, has a master's degree in finance and more than 10 years of experience in the business and financial realms of corporate America. He understands many of the financial factors that affect alimony and can recommend the right solution for you.

Whatever you decide, our Jacksonville law firm will work to put you in the strongest financial position possible.

Free Consultation With a Jacksonville Divorce Attorney

Whether you are going through a divorce, need an alimony modification, or enforcement of an order, we can help you. For a free consultation with Pickett Law Firm, call 904-356-7LAW (526) or contact a Jacksonville Beach divorce lawyer online.