LTA | Lesley Turmelle Abbott

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LTA | Lesley Turmelle Abbott

Honesty. Respect. Fairness. Strong Advocacy.

Skilled Alimony Attorney In Brevard County

Last updated on April 23, 2026

One key aspect of divorce that often needs to be considered is alimony or spousal support. Determining whether you can receive alimony depends on certain factors.

Working with a knowledgeable divorce lawyer can help. At Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A., Ms. Abbott has more than twenty (20) years of experience in handling divorce and alimony-specific cases throughout Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Cocoa Beach and other communities in Brevard County.

The Complexities Of Alimony

Alimony is determined by looking at the needs of one party and the ability to pay the other party. There are many statutory factors that must be considered, so it is never a simple calculation. Some common factors that are considered include:

  • The length of the marriage
  • Each party’s contributions to the marriage
  • The standard of living during the marriage
  • The health and age of each spouse
  • Each party’s financial resources
  • Each party’s parental responsibilities, if any

Not every divorce will result in one party receiving alimony. If there are minor children and a party is awarded alimony, the amount paid in alimony is also used when determining the amount of child support awarded. If you need help with a spousal support issue, Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A., can help.

Currently, due to the changes in the tax code, alimony established after Jan. 1, 2019, is no longer taxable to the recipient and is no longer deductible to the paying party. Ms. Abbott can explain the details, how the law applies to your case and help guide you through every part of the divorce process.

Alimony Reform In Florida

In 2023, crucial changes were made to alimony laws in Florida and the option for permanent alimony was eliminated. Previously, long-term marriages, typically 17 years or longer, may have qualified for permanent support, but this is no longer the case.

However, alimony is still an option in many Florida divorces. Other forms of spousal support exist, but obtaining an award in the modern era requires a comprehensive approach and legal guidance.

The changes to alimony law have also made it so alimony can now be stopped due to retirement. Under these changes, a party can petition a court to cease any alimony obligation for this reason, even obligations from before 2023.

Types Of Alimony Still Used In Florida

Several forms of alimony are available to help balance financial disparities between spouses during and after divorce. Here is a breakdown of current Florida spousal support types.

  • Temporary alimony: This can be ordered during the divorce process itself, which could take from six to 12 months.
  • Lump-sum alimony: This means that someone pays all of their alimony upfront as a single payment, which can be beneficial if they do not want to have communication with their ex.
  • Bridge-the-gap alimony: This is a very short-term type of alimony that usually does not last for more than two years.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: This type of support is typically used for people who are trying to re-enter the workforce, perhaps after leaving a career with the expectation that their spouse would provide support. They may need time for education or training.
  • Durational alimony: The longest alimony available since permanent support was eliminated is durational alimony. Courts often look at marriage length to determine how long alimony should last based on the length of the relationship. 

Regarding durational spousal support, in cases of short-term marriages, courts may award alimony for up to 50% of the length of the marriage. For long-term marriages, that duration may increase to 75%. For example, a couple married for twenty (20) years could be ordered to pay alimony for as long as 15 years. Our experienced team can help you determine the type of alimony you may be entitled to and build a persuasive case for the court to consider.

Enforcing Alimony Orders

When someone does not pay alimony, there are legal options to enforce the order. The first is to file a motion to hold the other person in contempt of court. If they still do not comply, the court can use wage garnishment. In some cases, courts can authorize the seizure of property or even intercept financial assets such as tax returns.

Call Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A., Today

For assistance with alimony or spousal support matters, call Ms. Abbott‘s Satellite Beach office at 321-253-2275 or send her an email to schedule a consultation today.