What You Need to Know About Alimony in Florida

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment from one spouse to another during or after a divorce. In Florida, alimony is designed to provide financial assistance to a spouse who may have become financially dependent during the marriage. Understanding how alimony works can help you prepare for this important aspect of divorce proceedings.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Florida recognizes several types of alimony, each serving different purposes:

Temporary Alimony

This is awarded during the divorce process to help the lower-earning spouse maintain their lifestyle until the divorce is finalized.

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

Short-term support designed to help a spouse transition from married to single life. This type is limited to two years and cannot be modified.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Awarded to help a spouse gain education or training needed to become self-supporting. This requires a specific rehabilitative plan.

Durational Alimony

Provides economic assistance for a set period following a marriage of short or moderate duration.

Permanent Alimony

Reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse lacks the ability to become self-supporting at a level reasonably close to the standard of living during the marriage.

Factors Courts Consider

When determining alimony, Florida courts consider numerous factors, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living established during the marriage
• Financial resources of each party
• Earning capacity and employability
• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking
• Age and health of both parties
• Tax consequences

Modifying Alimony

Alimony orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. This might include job loss, significant income changes, or health issues. However, some types of alimony, like bridge-the-gap, cannot be modified.

Seeking Legal Guidance

Navigating alimony matters requires understanding complex Florida family law. Whether you’re seeking alimony or may be required to pay it, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help protect your interests and ensure a fair outcome.