Naples Alimony Lawyer

Collier County Spousal Support Attorney

In 2010, sweeping changes were made to the alimony laws in Florida. It is important you have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney to make sure you understand your options under the new law and have zealous advocacy in your divorce.

I am David T. Agoston and I have more than 15 years of trial experience in Collier and Lee Counties. I have extensive experience representing ex-spouses in their divorces and helping them negotiate alimony or, when necessary, to go to trial to get the support they need for their future.

Contact a Naples alimony lawyer at our firm for a free consultation. We offer affordable rates and dedicated service.

Understanding Alimony

The amount of alimony awarded is based on the length of the marriage. In Florida, there are three length-of-marriage for alimony purposes:

• Long-term marriage: Marriages lasting more than 17 years are considered long-term. Alimony was originally designed to help those divorcing after this length of time.
• Moderate-term marriage: When you have been married more than seven years but fewer than 17, then your marriage is considered moderate term.
• Short-term marriage: Any marriage fewer than 7 years is short term. Short-term marriages are not often awarded alimony.

Each length of alimony is eligible for different types of alimony, such as:

• Permanent-periodic alimony: This is designed for long-term marriages where there was a certain standard of living throughout the marriage, a disparity of incomes between the two spouses and this disparity was created by agreement of both spouses. This type of alimony is often modifiable.
• Rehabilitative alimony: This type of alimony is for short-term marriages. It is meant to provide one spouse with skills, training and work experience necessary to become self-sufficient. It is typically temporary.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony: This is the weakest type of alimony. It has a maximum length of two years and is meant to help one spouse transition to being single.
• Durational alimony: In a short or moderate term marriage, this alimony is for a set period of time and the length cannot be modified, except in exceptional circumstances. The duration cannot exceed the length of the marriage.

At our firm, we can help you understand the types of alimony that are available to you in your marriage. We will fight so you can get the support you need to take on the future.

Contact a Collier County spousal support lawyer for answers to your alimony and spousal maintenance questions.