April 22, 2021
Alimony is spousal support after divorce that helps the former spouse continue his/her standard of living while they were married. Alimony may be awarded based on several criteria, including the length of the marriage and the need of the recipient spouse versus the financial ability of the payee spouse.
Alimony isn’t a unique concept in Florida as the law ensures that both spouses are able to support themselves after the divorce. However, it does raise many questions about how it works and whether a divorced couple will include alimony.
Here are some questions and answers regarding Florida alimony.
What Are the Different Types of Alimony?
There are five main kinds of alimony: temporary alimony, permanent alimony, durational alimony, bridge the gap alimony, and rehabilitative alimony. The critical differences in these types are how long the payments from one spouse to the other will go on and why.
Temporary alimony is support that’s awarded during the divorce proceedings up until the final judgment of divorce. This is opposite of permanent alimony, which sometimes provides support until either spouse dies or remarries.
Durational alimony is for moderate to long term marriages but cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Bridge the gap alimony and rehabilitative alimony have some similarities as they focus more on the expenses of one spouse regardless of remarrying and are for shorter marriages. Bridge the gap alimony encompasses that a spouse is transitioning from divorce to single status, needing support for those expenses. Rehabilitative alimony focuses on the spouse possibly continuing their education or expertise to become self-supportive.
What Factors Impact Alimony in Florida?
It can depend on the alimony type, like durational alimony, where the support awarded considers the length of the marriage. Florida divides marriages into three (3) different terms, with short-term for anything less than seven years, moderate term for 7-17 years, and a long-term marriage for anything beyond 17 years.
Some factors that affect alimony in other states like adultery and other reasons for divorce, are not relevant Florida is a no-fault divorce state. Therefore, the cause for the divorce isn’t necessarily influential factor when it comes to applying for alimony. It’s subject to circumstantial factors such as funding.
Can You Receive Support Without Divorce?
It is possible to be awarded support without a divorce in Florida. Florida Statutes provide for support unconnected with dissolution of marriage. Discuss with a divorce lawyer to know what steps you can take to receive support without a divorce.
How Much Alimony Should I Pay and For How Long?
The Florida family court determines the amount one spouse must pay to another based on two matters. Whether the person requesting alimony needs financial support and whether the other party can provide support needs versus ability to pay. The duration of the support is also determined by the Court.
Can Alimony in Florida Be Modified?
It is possible for the Court to modify alimony to increase, decrease, length, or termination. However, substantial evidence is needed to prove why the alimony should be modified, like financial transactions and records of a spouse.
Conclusion
Alimony can boost and help the financial situation of one divorced party who feels like they lost their normal way of living and ease the monetary burden the separation may cause.
Looking for a divorce lawyer in Jacksonville? At Dorsey Law Firm of Jacksonville, you’ll find the right lawyer to provide expert representation in court and fulfill your needs. Get in touch with us today.
