Skip to Content
Top
Alimony Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Panama City Beach Alimony Lawyers

Rely on Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Representation

Before you legally part ways, you and your spouse need to make many important decisions regarding child custody, child support, asset division, and, of course, alimony. These decisions can have a lasting impact on your financial stability and quality of life. Fortunately, you can safeguard your future by hiring an experienced attorney who can represent your case and protect you from making unfavorable concessions.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Panama City Beach alimony lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of state laws and the divorce process. Whether you’re negotiating the terms of a divorce settlement agreement or modifying an existing court order, we have the skills and resources to help you secure a beneficial case result.

Contact our Panama City Beach alimony lawyers at (800) 822-5170 to learn about your spousal maintenance options.

The Purpose of Alimony

The court may issue a bridge-the-gap, durational, or rehabilitative alimony order to provide essential financial support to a lower-earning spouse. These payments are calculated according to Florida state laws and can be paid in monthly installments or as a lumpsum amount.

The court evaluates the following concerns before deciding to award alimony:

  • The financial resources of both spouses
  • The present and future earning capacities of both spouses
  • Each spouse’s age, physical condition, and mental health
  • The couple’s standard of living during the marriage
  • The duration of the marriage
  • Which spouse is primarily caring for any shared children
  • The contributions each party made to the marriage

Alimony is intended to help a former spouse transition to single life and a single income. For example, if one spouse is a homemaker without an available source of income, the court may be inclined to issue an alimony order. These payments can help the former spouse pursue a new career or educational opportunities.

Alimony can be terminated or modified under the following conditions:

  • The receiving ex remarries
  • The receiving ex begins living with a new romantic partner
  • The paying spouse faces a lasting change in circumstances
  • One spouse dies

Both the receiving and the paying party can request alimony modifications. Of course, this doesn’t mean that exes can demand more money or stop providing payments. If your alimony order is no longer reasonable, contact the Panama City Beach alimony lawyers at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. We can evaluate your circumstances, collect evidence, and develop an effective argument that can be presented in court. If your case is successful, the court may agree to modify or terminate your existing order.

Legal Updates to Florida Alimony in 2023

The law is always changing and updating to meet the needs of the people bound by it. In Florida, such changes were made in 2023 regarding divorce and alimony. The changes apply to any divorces filed now, or any divorces that were pending before or on July 1, 2023.

The important Florida alimony law changes in 2023 cover a variety of subjects, such as:

  • Permanent alimony elimination: Florida family law courts will no longer approve permanent alimony arrangements, no matter how long a marriage lasted or how dependent one spouse was on the income of the other.
  • Supportive relationship changes: If the recipient spouse enters a new supportive relationship, and the paying spouse can prove as much, the court must end or reduce the alimony agreement. The recipient spouse can try to stop the termination or reduction of alimony if they can show proof that they would fall into undue hardship with such a change.
  • Limited rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony can’t last longer than 5 years.
  • Durational alimony changes: Durational alimony can’t apply to a marriage that doesn’t last at least 3 years. The amount of alimony in a durational alimony agreement is limited to the “reasonable need” of the recipient spouse or 35% of the difference between the net incomes of the spouses, whichever amount is less. The court can consider child support amounts and who pays them when calculating the net income of the spouses.
    • Marriage lengths: For durational alimony arrangements, a short-term marriage is considered to have lasted 10 years or less; a moderate-term marriage is considered to have lasted between 10 to 20 years; and a long-term marriage is considered to have lasted 20 years or more.
  • Life insurance benefits: If the paying spouse needs to use a life insurance plan to meet alimony obligations, the court requires “specific” proof that shows why the policy and benefits were necessary.

Schedule a Consultation & Explore Your Legal Options

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we understand that it can be difficult for spouses to negotiate hotly contested matters like alimony. Fortunately, our legal team is comprised of skilled and experienced divorce attorneys who can safeguard your interests. If you want to protect your standard of living, contact our Panama City Beach alimony attorneys today.

Rely on our 100+ years of legal experience! Schedule a consultation today.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Community Stewardship
    We embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.

Take the Next Step

Request a Consultation with The Virga law Firm Today!
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "He listened carefully."
    He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
    Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
    I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Fast and supportive service."
    The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
    - Visi, A Divorce Client