Are you looking into alimony support in Florida? When people get a divorce, most automatically think of alimony and how much money they are going to owe. In fact, I often hear one spouse stating that they are “owed” some payout as a result of the divorce and feel this way simply because they are divorcing.
What most people don’t realize is that alimony is not necessarily awarded in all cases and is only designed to place a spouse with lesser means financial support until he or she is able to support him or herself. However, there is some truth to their statement as despite Florida being a no-fault state, Florida statute currently allows for adultery to be considered when calculating an amount for alimony.
Despite this, alimony is only intended to provide a form of maintenance or support payments and will be awarded to the spouse with the lesser amount of income or financial support to even the financial income between the two spouses. When determining alimony, the length of marriage plays a critical role. In Florida, the lengths of marriage, for alimony purposes, is broken down into three categories.
Length of Marriage Categories
Short Term: Consists of any marriage that is less than 7 years
Moderate-Term: Consists of any marriage that is more than 7 years, but less than 17 years.
Long-Term: Consists of any marriage lasting over 17 years.
Reasons for Alimony In Florida
Florida Alimony laws outline specific types of alimony based on the individual needs of the requesting spouse. Essentially the type of alimony awarded is based on the reason for requesting alimony more than just the need for support itself. As such, not all alimony is the same and in Florida, there are 5 different types of alimony that can be awarded or agreed upon.
In Florida, there are unique terms, like a Quitclaim Deed. This is why it’s helpful to get an attorney. As you will see below, alimony support in Florida is complex.
Temporary Alimony Support In Florida
This type of alimony is exactly as it sounds, a temporary award that only lasts during the duration of the pending divorce. This type of support is awarded when a spouse is unable to financially support themselves for the duration of the divorce. Additional support may be awarded at the conclusion of the temporary support, but temporary support will not exceed the duration of the pending divorce.
Bridge the Gap
This type of alimony is unique in that it is awarded to help ease the transition from married life to single life. This type of alimony will only be for a short duration of time and end on a specific date. Typically, you will see this type of award for short and moderate length marriages and will only be awarded if the lesser-earning spouse can show a legitimate and identifiable need.
Rehabilitative
This type of alimony is awarded to provide support to the lesser earning spouse when they are expected to become economically self-sufficient by a specific period of time. For instance, this would be awarded if a spouse previously worked as a licensed nurse, but the license is now expired. This spouse could be awarded rehabilitative alimony while they re-activated their nurse’s license to become employed again. It can also be awarded to the financially dependent spouse to get training or education to re-enter the job market. Similar to bridge the gap alimony, this type is only awarded for a specific period of time.
Durational
This type of alimony is awarded to provide financial assistance for a set period of time. Typically, this type of alimony is awarded following short and moderate length marriages, however, it can be awarded following a long marriage, if there is no need for permanent support. Durational alimony can be awarded for a few months to a few years, but regardless of the time period for the support cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Permanent Alimony Support In Florida
Much like it sounds, permanent alimony provides for payments to the ex-spouse for an indefinite period of time. The purpose of permanent alimony is to provide financial support for the needs of the former spouse as they were established during the marriage. This type of alimony is awarded to an ex-spouse when they are unable to financially meet the cost of living after divorce.
Typically, you see this type of award in for spouses that are at or beyond retirement age or when the spouse has a disability that prevents them from working. Typically, you will see this type of award for moderate and long length marriages.
Alimony is different than child support. If you need help with alimony support in Florida, you should speak to an attorney.
If you would like to discuss alimony or wish to address any other divorce matter, the Boyer Law Firm attorneys are ready to assist. Please call the attorneys at Boyer Law Firm, P.L., to receive a case evaluation. 1 305-921-9665