Can You Get More Alimony After Your Divorce is Entered?

Alimony in the state of Florida can be a very complex issue. The factors to discuss with your Tampa family law attorney range from not only the amount and duration of the alimony award, but also what can happen to the alimony in the future. The Florida family law statutes have recently changed to address certain forms of alimony.

In general, Florida statutes provide that alimony is modifiable in nature. Florida family law provides that the amount of alimony can be modified based on a substantial change of one of the parties' current financial condition. Under this concept, an alimony award can be either increased or decreased based on the substantial change. Once a party has established that they have met the substantial change requirement, the court will then analyze the respective need and ability of each party in order to address whether a change in alimony is warranted.

In theory, one party may actually seek an increase in alimony after a divorce decree or final judgment has been entered. It is important to note and to be informed that there are several obstacles which may limit one party's ability to seek an increase in alimony. These limitations can be found in the terms and conditions in the Marital Settlement Agreement, limitations based on the type of alimony, as well as limitations based on a party's current living conditions.

Because there are several issues that may impact the future of an alimony claim it is strongly recommend that each party speak with an experienced St. Petersburg family law attorney to ensure they have a strong understanding of the alimony laws and in order to protect their best interests in the future.