For many women facing divorce, the biggest fear isn’t loneliness — it’s uncertainty.
“I gave up my career to raise our kids.”
“I supported his business for years.”
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford the mortgage or healthcare on my own.”
At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, P.A., we’ve spent over 40 years helping women across South Florida protect themselves and their family’s future, both during and after divorce. Below, we break down what Florida law says about alimony, child support, and what you can do to ensure you’re okay — today and tomorrow.
Florida Alimony Laws Have Changed — But Support Is Still Available
In 2023, Florida eliminated permanent alimony — but there are still several forms of court-ordered financial support available, depending on the facts of your case.
Florida currently recognizes five types of alimony:
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony Short-term support to help you transition from married to single life (up to 2 years).
- Rehabilitative Alimony Helps you pursue education or job training to become self-supporting.
- Durational Alimony Provides financial support for a set period — often used in moderate-to-long marriages.
- Temporary Alimony (Pendente Lite) Support awarded while your divorce case is still pending
- Lump Sum Alimony: This may be ordered in place of or in addition to other forms of alimony, particularly in high-asset cases. It’s typically a one-time payment or structured payout rather than ongoing monthly support
Important: Alimony isn’t automatic — but it can be awarded if the court finds that one spouse has a need and the other has the ability to pay.
How Does the Court Decide If You Qualify for Alimony?
Florida courts look at multiple factors, including:
- The length of your marriage
- Your current income and future earning capacity
- Contributions to the household (including as a homemaker or caregiver)
- The standard of living during the marriage
- Age, physical and emotional health
- Sacrifices made (e.g., leaving school or career to support your spouse or children)
So yes — if you stayed home to raise children or made career decisions to support the marriage, the court can and does take that into account.
What If You’ve Been Out of the Workforce?
You’re not alone. Many women haven’t updated a resume in 10–20 years — and that’s exactly why rehabilitative alimony exists.
Florida courts may order financial support to help you:
- Return to school
- Update certifications or licensing
- Cover child care while reentering the workforce
- Build a path to self-sufficiency
But you’ll need to show a clear plan, so don’t wait to start exploring your options.
What About Child Support?
If you have children, child support is calculated separately from alimony and is based on:
- Both parents’ income
- The time-sharing arrangement (50/50 or another split)
- Childcare, health insurance, and uncovered medical expenses
Florida uses a strict formula, but that doesn’t mean it’s always simple. Parents sometimes underreport income or hide assets. That’s why it’s critical to have experienced legal counsel review any proposed agreement.
Watch Out: You can’t waive child support in Florida — even if your spouse pressures you to. The right to support belongs to your child, not the parent. Don’t agree to informal terms without legal review.
Protecting Your Financial Future Starts Now
Here are 5 proactive steps you can take today:
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Gather your financial documents — including tax returns, bank and investment statements, retirement account records, and mortgage documents.
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Monitor your credit — and consider freezing your credit if you’re concerned about unauthorized account activity.
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Start tracking your monthly expenses — the court may request a detailed personal budget.
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Avoid moving, transferring, or selling assets — this can raise concerns later in court.
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Meet with a qualified family law attorney — experienced counsel can help you understand your rights and prevent costly mistakes.
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You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
We understand how overwhelming this process can be — especially when your financial stability is at stake. At Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, we’ve helped thousands of Florida women through the toughest transitions of their lives, protecting their rights and building a path toward independence.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Chapter
If you’re considering divorce — or have already been served — the financial decisions you make now will shape your future. Let’s make sure you’re protected.
Call us for a free consultation or visit one of our offices in Dade, Broward, or the Keys.
Call us 305-653-5555, Text us at 305-653-1515, Email us at [email protected], or complete the form on this page, and we will call you.
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