While this law applies to couples with regular incomes, it also applies to high net worth spouses, although the sum of money to be paid as alimony will be calculated differently in these two cases.
For people with a regular income, there is a standard formula that is used to calculate the payment the spouse with a low income will receive the following divorce.
For the high net worth individuals who are getting a divorce, the decision on how much they should pay their less wealthy ex-spouse will be made by the judge. Every year, Republican lawmakers strive to end permanent alimony in Florida, but their effort always falls short due to strong opposition from Democrats or missed deadlines. Therefore, alimony is often awarded in the Sunshine State, including to high net worth couples who get a divorce, and the factors that make it more likely to be awarded are the following:
- having had a long marriage: the duration of the marriage is perhaps the first factor that a Florida court will look at when you get a divorce, and under Florida law, there is a presumption that short-term marriages are those lasting “less than 7 years” and long-term marriages are ones lasting “17 years or greater”
- a significant gap in current income and future earning potential: spousal support is unnecessary and inappropriate when both parties are high earners, but where there is a big gap in the current and future financial prospects of the partner, alimony is more likely to be granted
- professional and personal sacrifices for family and marriage: lastly, Florida courts are more likely to offer alimony to a partner who made professional and personal sacrifices to support the family and marriage, such as when one spouse continues practicing as a doctor after having met their partner in medical school and the other retires and serves as a full-time stay-at-home parent
Sean m. Cleary, who specializes in high net worth divorces, Will offer you the legal assistance you need
Frequently, when alimony is awarded, the high net worth individual is not content with how much the judge ordered them to pay to their ex-spouse, so they will hire a specialized attorney to help sort out the issue.
With over 20 years of professional experience, Sean M. Cleary is a lawyer who specializes in high net worth divorces and all they involve, including how to reach a compromise that will satisfy both ex-spouses regarding alimony. If you are in this frustrating situation, do not hesitate to give our law firm a call.
After a complex discussion with you and your former partner, Sean M. Cleary and his legal team will carefully examine your situation and develop multiple solutions to your problem so that you will have more than one option to choose from.
He will take his time and not rush the process, as he prioritizes the satisfaction of his clients and strives to obtain only positive results. With his help, you and your ex-spouse are guaranteed to reach a convenient compromise on alimony and go on with your lives separately.
