Alimony
Alimony or spousal support is the continued payment made from one spouse to another to maintain a certain standard of living after a divorce. In addition to child custody issues or division of property, it is one of the most contentious issues that parties may face. At the time of divorce, a spousal support determination will be made based on the standard of living of the parties at the time of divorce, each party’s needs and income, the duration of the marriage and other statutory factors.

You may be able to receive temporary or permanent spousal support payments, even in a short term marriage. We can also assist you in recovering immediate support payments, even before a divorce is finalized. If you are seeking spousal support, it is critical that your attorney is experienced in tracing hidden assets and identifying all of the support to which you may be entitled. Our attorneys are experienced at negotiating alimony settlements that are fair and reasonable to both parties.

Child Support
Determinations of child support made at the time of divorce can affect both parents and children until the child's emancipation at the age of 18 or 19. Whether you are seeking child support or you need legal help to modify an earlier child support order, an experienced lawyer can protect your rights in court.

At Maynor Sachs Copple, we have extensive experience in court proceedings to determine child support orders at the time of divorce or separation. We are also experienced in post-judgment modification hearings when a time sharing or visitation schedule changes or financial circumstances change.

Child support determinations are based on Florida Child Support Guidelines, taking into account the time sharing arrangements, the financial position of each parent and the needs of the child. Under Florida family law, both parents are responsible for providing appropriate support for their children.

Modification of Support Judgments
People often assume that divorce decrees and child support/alimony orders are final, and that the court expects them to cover every possible situation until the children are grown. The truth is, situations change and sometimes court orders need to change as well.

It is quite common to need a modification of a child support order as children's needs and parents' financial situations change. Child custody orders and timesharing plans may also need to change as the child grows, particularly if one parent leaves the state to pursue a job or be closer to family. Even spousal support orders sometimes require modification in the event of changed circumstances.

When circumstances change and previously negotiated agreements are no longer fair or applicable, a modification may be in order. Our attorneys are experienced on both sides of these agreements and are able to fight successfully for your rights in court, whether they involve a deadbeat parent or a modification of child support, alimony or timesharing.