Alimony
Support is a financial question with long-term consequences for both sides.
Alimony can be one of the most consequential and contested financial issues in a divorce.
For the spouse seeking support, the question may involve the ability to maintain financial stability after the marriage ends.
For the spouse from whom support is sought, the obligation may materially affect future cash flow and financial planning.
At Probasco Singer Bayne, we represent clients on both sides of alimony disputes, including matters involving high income, variable compensation, business ownership, significant assets, and other complicated financial circumstances.
The analysis begins with the actual financial circumstances.
Alimony is not determined by a single formula.
The analysis requires consideration of the parties' financial circumstances under Florida law, including the need for support, the ability to pay, and other applicable statutory factors.
In a straightforward compensation structure, the financial evidence may be relatively clear.
In other cases, determining income and resources can require a deeper analysis.
Issues that may matter
Need & Ability to Pay
Length of Marriage
Income & Earning Capacity
Business Income
Variable Compensation
Assets & Financial Resources
Standard of Living
Duration of Support
Modification
Termination
Enforcement
Tax & Cash-Flow Considerations
Income
Income on a tax return may not tell the whole story.
Business owners, executives, professionals, and other high-income individuals may receive compensation from multiple sources.
Salary may be only one component.
Bonuses, distributions, equity compensation, deferred compensation, investment income, benefits, or other sources may require consideration.
At the same time, gross receipts or money retained inside a business should not automatically be treated as personal spendable income.
Understanding the actual financial circumstances can be central to both the claim for support and the defense against it.
Alimony and property division cannot always be viewed separately.
A client's financial position after divorce may depend on both the property received and the ongoing support obligation.
Liquidity, investment income, debt, housing, retirement assets, business ownership, and other components of the financial resolution may affect the practical consequences of an alimony award or agreement.
That is why we consider support as part of the broader financial case rather than treating it as an isolated calculation.
The objective is a support analysis grounded in evidence.
Whether representing the party seeking alimony or the party being asked to pay it, the approach should be the same: understand the finances, apply the governing law, and develop a position supported by the evidence.
Some alimony disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation.
Others require litigation.
We prepare for both.
Modification & enforcement
Circumstances can change after a divorce.
Depending on the terms of the judgment or agreement and the applicable law, issues may later arise concerning modification, termination, or enforcement of support.
Those matters require careful review of both the existing obligation and the circumstances that have changed.
Start with a conversation.
If alimony may be a significant issue in your divorce—or if an existing support obligation has become disputed—we can help you understand the financial and legal issues that may shape the outcome.
813-254-37351011 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33607