Can I Get Alimony if My Career Stalled Due to My Spouse’s Job Transfers?

Navigating the complexities of alimony in Florida can be challenging. Your situation involves several relocations due to your husband’s career, which has flourished while yours has taken a backseat. With his recent move out of state, you may be wondering if you can receive alimony or other support. Let’s break it down.

Florida’s alimony law provides several forms of spousal support designed to assist individuals like yourself who have faced career disruptions due to marital responsibilities. Here are the key types of alimony available:

1. Temporary Alimony: This is provided during the divorce proceedings to ensure you have financial support until the final settlement is reached. It is particularly useful if you need immediate financial assistance as you navigate the divorce process.
2. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This short-term support is designed to help you transition from married life to single life. Given your stalled career, this could be useful for covering immediate expenses as you re-establish your financial independence.
3. Rehabilitative Alimony: This type of support is tailored for situations like yours where a spouse needs education or training to become self-supporting. Since your career has stalled, rehabilitative alimony can provide you with the necessary resources to gain new skills or qualifications.
4. Durational Alimony: Given the seven-year duration of your marriage, durational alimony might be applicable. This form of support is awarded for a set period and can be up to the length of the marriage. It helps ensure financial stability for a specific time post-divorce.

Factors the Court Will Consider

The court will evaluate several factors to determine the appropriate type and amount of alimony:

• Duration of the Marriage: A seven-year marriage is considered a short-term marriage, which makes you eligible for various types of alimony, including durational and rehabilitative.
• Financial Disparities: The court will assess the financial gap between you and your husband, especially since his career has advanced while yours has stalled.
• Standard of Living: The lifestyle you enjoyed during the marriage will be taken into account. The aim is to help you maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce.
• Contributions to the Marriage: Non-financial contributions, such as supporting your husband’s career by moving and possibly managing household responsibilities, will also be considered.
• Career Sacrifices: The court will recognize the impact of your career sacrifices due to relocations. This acknowledgment is crucial in determining the type and amount of alimony.

Steps to Take

5. Consult a Family Law Attorney: An experienced attorney can provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your case and the nuances of Florida’s 2023 alimony law.
6. Document Your Contributions and Sacrifices: Gather evidence of your career sacrifices, relocations, and any financial or non-financial contributions you made to the marriage. This documentation will be vital in court.
7. Evaluate Your Financial Needs: Assess your current financial situation and future needs. This includes considering the cost of living in Martin County and any expenses related to career retraining or education.
8. Consider Your Long-term Goals: Reflect on your long-term financial and personal goals. This can help determine which type of alimony will best support your transition to
independence.

Given your circumstances, it is likely that you can receive alimony or other support to help you regain financial stability and pursue your career aspirations. By understanding the different types of alimony available under Florida’s law and taking proactive steps, you can ensure that your needs are adequately addressed during the divorce proceedings. Remember, consulting a knowledgeable family law attorney is essential to navigate this process effectively and secure the support you deserve.