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In Florida, alimony is financial support that a court may order one spouse to pay to the other spouse after they get divorced. The purpose of alimony is to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living, which may be difficult to do after getting divorced.
The Basics of Florida Alimony
In Florida, a court can award different types of alimony. The type of alimony that is awarded will depend on the financial needs and abilities of each spouse, as well as the length of the marriage, among others. Some of the different types of alimony that may be awarded in Florida are:
- Bridge-the-Gap alimony
- Rehabilitative alimony
- Durational alimony
- Permanent alimony
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
This type of alimony is also for a short period of time, but it is intended to help the recipient spouse with specific financial obligations related to becoming newly single. For example, if the recipient spouse needs help paying for a new place to live or new transportation, bridge-the-gap alimony may be awarded. Bridge-the-gap alimony cannot be modified and may not exceed two years.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is perhaps the most common type of alimony awarded in Florida. Rehabilitative alimony is intended to help the recipient spouse become self-sufficient by providing them with financial assistance while they get training or education. This type of alimony will only be awarded if there is a specific rehabilitation plan set in place.
Durational Alimony
Durational alimony is sometimes called temporary alimony. It is typically awarded after a short to moderate-length marriage or perhaps a longer marriage in which there isn't a need for long-term financial support. While the award amount can be modified under certain circumstances, the length of the award cannot and cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony may be awarded when one spouse has been dependent on the other during the marriage or if they have significant health issues that prevent them from becoming self-sufficient. Permanent alimony may also help someone who has taken time away from their career to care for children during the marriage. Permanent alimony can only be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstance; otherwise, it will continue until either an ex-spouse passes away or remarries.
Helping You With Alimony at Owenby Law, P.A.
Alimony can be a complex issue, and there are many factors that a court will consider when determining whether or not to award it. If you are going through a divorce and think you may be entitled to receive or pay alimony, you should speak with an experienced family law attorney at Owenby Law, P.A., who can advise you of your rights and options under Florida law.
If you are going through a divorce and need legal representation, contact us today at (904) 770-3141.