MODIFICATION OF ALIMONY DUE TO A SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP
F lorida law provides a means by which an alimony obligor could modify or terminate their alimony payments if the recipient of those payments is involved in a “supportive relationship.”What is a supportive relationship? A typical relationship with a member of the opposite sex will not be enough to terminate or modify alimony, even if the person receiving alimony and her paramour live together. Cohabitation in Florida is an extremely fact-oriented, detailed analysis. Modification of alimony due to a supportive relationship is usually complicated. The key element is how the relationship affects the financial rights and obligations of the parties involved. How that relationship impacts alimony is usually complex and volatile. A supportive relationship may exist in cases where an alimony recipient is residing with another person, existing and conducting themselves in the same manner as would a husband and wife. However, a supportive relationship does not exist if they each keep their finances completely separate and the paramour is not funding or otherwise providing benefits for the alimony recipient in a way that reduces the alimony recipient’s monthly living expenses. The
key here is does the supportive relationship ultimately reduce the alimony recipient’s need for support? If so, then modification may be appropriate. Before the court can modify alimony, the petitioner must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a supportive relationship exists. Judges will look at a variety of circumstances and evidence to determine whether the relationship meets the criteria. These include but are not limited to the following: • The extent to which the recipient and the other person have presented themselves as a married couple • The period of time that the recipient has resided with the other person in a permanent residence • Pooling of assets • Receiving mail in a common location • Acquiring joint assets together • Increase in value of the other’s separate assets • Valuable services, like babysitting
For more information on supportive relationships in Florida, call us anytime.
SUDOKU
BRAISED CHICKEN AND SPRING VEGETABLES
Recipe inspired by Real Simple
This simple and delicious one-pot recipe is perfect for a weeknight. It only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on work, but will taste like you spent all day building flavors. It’s a hearty comfort food that’s sure to delight eaters of all ages.
Ingredients
• • • •
1 tablespoon olive oil
• • • •
4 large carrots, cut into sticks
8 small bone-in chicken thighs 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
12 radishes, halved
Salt and pepper
Directions
1.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in pan for 6–7 minutes per side.
3.
Remove chicken from pan and scrape off excess fat. Add broth and stir in radishes, carrots, and sugar. Return chicken to pan, placing on top of vegetables. Gently simmer with lid on pan for 15–20 minutes. Finish with chives.
2.
4.
3
www.law4jax.com
“JACKSONVILLE’S ATTORNEY AT LAW.”
Made with FlippingBook Annual report