Traditionally, women have received spousal support more than men. Because of that, many people assume that alimony is a payment made to ex-wives by divorced men to support them financially. Despite popular belief, men have just as much right to spousal support as women. In fact, these days, more men are getting alimony than ever.

Florida courts do not consider gender when making alimony decisions, meaning any spouse can seek alimony in Florida. So, as a Florida man, you should not sell yourself short or allow your legal representative to sell you short when it comes to receiving the alimony award you need and deserve. However, you can only get alimony in Florida if you genuinely need it and if the other party has the ability to make alimony payments. 

How Do Florida Courts Award Alimony? 

Generally, in Florida, judges award alimony after it is determined that one party needs spousal support and the other spouse can pay spousal support. When it comes to Florida courts, it only needs to be proven that one spouse needs monetary support from the other (Financially stable) after the divorce.

Need for spousal support and the ability to make spousal support payments are the two primary factors that Florida courts consider when determining who to award alimony. In determining the need for support and ability to pay, Florida courts consider several factors, gender not included. Before making alimony decisions, Florida courts consider, among others, the following:

• The length of the marriage
• The financial resources of both spouses
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Each spouse’s age and physical condition
• The contribution both parties made to the marriage.

So, firstly, if you are a man who makes less than his wife, you may be able to receive alimony, especially if you have just as many expenses as she does. Secondly, if you have been a stay-at-home father for years, you may be able to receive alimony in the same way many stay-at-home mothers do. Usually, parents who stay at home to raise their children are awarded alimony because they did not have a chance to make the same amount of money as the other parent while raising the children. Additionally, if your career suffered during and because of your marriage, you may be able to get alimony. Even if you are going to get a job after divorce, the reality is that it might take you a while to do that. Florida courts understand this and always strive to do what is fair. 

Speak to an Alimony Attorney 

Whether you are a man or woman, remember, you have the right to alimony as long as it can be proven that you need alimony, and the other party has the ability to pay. Do not believe the worst, even if you are not sure whether you are likely to receive spousal support. Speak to an experienced alimony attorney, and let them tell you if you are likely to get alimony or not. If you need to know whether or not you are eligible for spousal support or help with seeking spousal support in Florida, contact an experienced alimony attorney at the Tampa Bay Legal Center, P.A., today.