How Florida Courts Decide Temporary Alimony in Fort Lauderdale Divorce Cases
Divorce can be a long process, and for some spouses, the months between filing a divorce petition and getting a final divorce decree can be financially overwhelming. That’s where temporary alimony comes in.
If you’re going through a Fort Lauderdale divorce and need help covering living expenses before you get a final order, a temporary spousal support order can help. Temporary alimony is not a long-term solution. Instead, it helps to keep both spouses financially stable during the divorce process, ensuring one party isn’t left without resources while the case is pending.
Factors Judges Consider In Awarding Temporary Alimony in Fort Lauderdale
Under Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes, judges in Fort Lauderdale divorce cases may award alimony as part of a final divorce order if one spouse makes significantly less than their partner. Unfortunately, it can take months to get a final divorce judgment issued. How do you support yourself and meet basic costs until then? Temporary alimony may be able to help.
Temporary alimony, or alimony pendente lite, can be awarded to protect your financial security during Florida divorce proceedings. Broward County judges have discretion to award these payments based on the requesting spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay.
Florida family courts review a variety of factors to determine whether it is warranted and a reasonable amount:
- Income and financial resources of each party, including wages, benefits, and assets.
- Necessary expenses such as housing, utilities, and health care.
- The length of the marriage and each spouse’s contributions.
- Any temporary child time-sharing or child support arrangements already in place.
Ways You Can Strengthen Your Request For Temporary Alimony In Broward County
If you believe you need temporary alimony, preparation is key. Judges want to see clear, credible evidence that you cannot meet your financial needs without assistance and that your spouse has the means to make these payments. Ways to strengthen your temporary spousal support request include:
- Prepare a complete financial affidavit listing income, expenses, assets, and debts.
- Gather supporting documents, including pay stubs, bank statements, and recent bills.
- Show evidence of marital lifestyle, such as mortgage records, utility bills, and proof of prior spending patterns.
- Get professional legal help to present a concise, well-documented case,
- Avoid unnecessary spending during the divorce process to maintain credibility.
Temporary alimony can be awarded quickly, often within weeks of filing. This can provide the financial stability you need while addressing other divorce-related issues, such as property division, child time-sharing, and rehabilitative spousal support.
Talk To Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer About Temporary Alimony
If you’re facing a divorce in Fort Lauderdale and are worried about making ends meet, temporary alimony could help protect your financial security while you wait for a final divorce order.
At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we have a proven history of success helping clients in these cases and understand how Florida law applies. To get the support you need, contact our office today and request a consultation to speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
