Worried About Getting Alimony In Your Fort Lauderdale Divorce? Five Things That Can Hurt Your Chances

Going through a breakup and wondering how you’ll stay financially afloat once your spouse is out of the picture? One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, “Will I have to start over financially after getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale?”

It’s a fair question, and why alimony exists: to help balance the economic gap between spouses after a marriage ends. But here’s the catch: certain actions and decisions can prevent you from receiving it. Our Fort Lauderdale alimony lawyer explains five of the most common missteps that can jeopardize your rights to these payments, even if you otherwise qualify under Florida law.

Five Actions That Can Jeopardize Your Right to Alimony in Fort Lauderdale

Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes dictates that alimony payments may be awarded in a Fort Lauderdale divorce when one spouse makes significantly more than the other. Family court judges look closely at your financial needs and your former spouse’s ability to pay when deciding whether to award alimony.

However, they also consider your behavior before and during the divorce. If it looks like you’ve made choices that reduce your need for financial support, it can change everything. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Spending marital funds on an affair or personal gain: Misuse of money, even in a no-fault state, can come back to hurt your credibility.
• Quitting your job (or refusing to seek work): The court expects both parties to make reasonable efforts to support themselves.
• Failing to comply with court orders or financial disclosures: Not turning over documents or missing deadlines weakens your position.
• Making significant financial changes: This includes transferring assets or taking on new debt, things that can raise red flags.
• Remarrying or moving in with a new partner: If someone else is helping cover your bills, the court may reduce or eliminate alimony.

How to Protect Your Claim Before and During Divorce

Getting a divorce through the Broward County Family Court, and wondering if alimony is an option? Maybe you’ve been financially dependent on your spouse or sacrificed your own career to support theirs. Take these steps to protect your rights to alimony both during and after divorce proceedings:

• Document your current financial needs and contributions to the marriage, household expenses, childcare, unpaid labor, etc.
• Understand your rights and don’t assume you won’t qualify for alimony.
• Get an experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony lawyer and consult them before making any financial decisions, especially those involving housing or employment.
• Avoid cohabiting or relying financially on a new partner. This is one of the most common alimony deal-breakers.

To Protect Your Financial Future, Consult Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Alimony Lawyer

If you are getting divorced in Fort Lauderdale, alimony can play a major role in protecting your financial security. To help ensure you get the total amount you deserve, contact the law offices of Vanessa L. Prieto.

Our experienced Fort Lauderdale alimony lawyer provides trusted legal guidance and protects your rights and your financial future. Request a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family