West Palm Beach Alimony and Spousal Support Lawyer
Guiding Clients Through the Alimony Process in Palm Beach County
Alimony is often a source of contention in divorce because the spouse who has to pay the alimony may believe the amount is too high, or the spouse receiving the alimony may believe the amount is insufficient. What was the original idea behind alimony? It ensured that one spouse was not at a significant disadvantage after the termination of a marriage. This usually applied to women who, in the past, were less likely to earn the same wage as their husbands.
But in modern times, it is becoming more common for judges to order a woman to pay alimony to a man in a divorce, and this speaks to the growing equality in pay between women and men. Issues involving spousal support are complex. Our experienced alimony lawyer in West Palm Beach can help keep you from making a mistake that could cost you for years to come.
Contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire today at (561) 677-8090 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our alimony and spousal support attorneys in West Palm Beach.
How is Alimony Determined in Florida?
The state of Florida does not have a formula that judges can use to determine the amount of alimony that one former spouse should pay another. As a result, judges must take into account a number of different factors, which include:
- How long was the couple married? – the longer the marriage lasted, the more likely that one spouse will have to pay alimony. This is because, in a long-lasting marriage, there is a higher likelihood of obtaining advanced degrees and achieving promotions at work.
- What was the standard of living? – this takes into account things such as the number and types of vacations that a couple took and the value of a couple’s possessions, including their home or homes.
- What is the age and physical condition of each spouse? – if one spouse is in poor health, this could influence the awarding of alimony.
- What is the income level and assets of each spouse? – this can include real estate ventures and stock market investments.
- What is each spouse’s future income potential? – if both spouses have advanced degrees, then a judge may not be as willing to award alimony, believing that they are both capable of earning a living in the future.
- What contribution did each spouse make to the marriage? – did one spouse sacrifice to allow the other spouse to earn a college degree, or stay home to take care of children, agree to move to another state due to the other spouse’s job relocation?
Different Forms of Spousal Support in Florida
If you are awaiting the determination of alimony in a divorce, you should be aware that judges in Florida can award several types of spousal support, including:
- Lump-Sum Alimony – a one-time monetary or property payment that a judge can order when making installment alimony payments is not possible.
- Temporary Alimony – paid to ensure that one spouse can cover household expenses until finalizing the divorce.
- Rehabilitative Alimony – paid only until one spouse has the financial means to support themselves. It is typically awarded in marriages that did not last a long time. This ensures that one spouse has enough time to complete education or work training to create financial self-sufficiency. The spouse receiving this type of alimony must create a rehabilitative plan that the court approves.
- Durational Alimony – paid only for a specified period of time. The support cannot last longer than the marriage. This is why this alimony is usually approved in cases in which a marriage lasted a short time.
- Bridge the Gap Alimony – paid for a maximum of two years to help a spouse transition into a single-earner’s life.
What Our Clients Have to Say
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"You can too trust him!"I am using Eric for the second time, he saved this child the first time when she needed it the most. I know God’s will placed him in my life and when an incident came up again I didn’t hesitate to call Eric Cheshire. He is a Godly Man that gets at the truth to help in the best way he can with the will of God. I trust him with the most precious gift God gave me, you can too trust him.- Former Client
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"A true gentleman and professional!"As a woman of God, I would never have dreamt I needed Eric and his firm’s services. Fortunately, it was one of my better decisions. For his professionalism and kind heart made me feel that I was not in this alone. He was walking with me during the entire ordeal and I am very blessed to have a Christian man such as himself to guide me and explain everything to me. A true gentleman and professional! Thanks Eric!- Former Client
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"He genuinely cares!"Mr. Cheshire is one of the good guys. He genuinely cares about his clients and what is important to them.- Former Client
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"I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate."As you might imagine this was a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful to have found someone who was so knowledgeable and considerate to help me through my divorce.- Former Client
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"Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs"I’ve used Eric Cheshire, PA over the years for my divorce and he handled it in an understanding but prompt manner. I’ve recommended him to other family and friends and they’ve been elated with his representation also. Will hire him again if I ever need an attorney for my legal needs.- Former Client
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"Great Service!"Great Service! He was kind, understanding and easy to work with.- Former Client
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"Eric fought for our family to be together."Very nice and helpful. Give my husband his legal rights as a father to be able to see his son. Eric fought for our family to be together and he always checked in with us to see how things were going. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer and family man. He loves his family and he loves his clients too.- Former Client
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"Very grateful!"Atty Cheshire reviewed the case carefully with my daughter and communicated with other lawyers in Missouri where she lives. We spoke with him to give other pertinent info and he kept us posted. He spent we suppose several hours on her case which helped prevent some financial pitfalls on her part. My daughter and us parents are very grateful for his foresight and timely advice. We highly recommend Atty Cheshire. (Reviewed from a potential client who consulted with Attorney Cheshire).- Former Client
Seek Guidance from a West Palm Beach Alimony Attorney
If you have filed for divorce, please call our alimony lawyer in West Palm Beach, Eric C. Cheshire, P.A. at (561) 677-8090, for your personalized legal consultation. We know how to help you navigate through the difficulties of a divorce and to ensure that alimony payments are fair and just.
Get Professional Alimony Assistance in West Palm Beach – Contact The Law Office of Eric C. Cheshire today.