When you get divorced, it’s important to know how you are going to provide for yourself after the divorce is finalized. As a Florida alimony attorney, I know how stressful divorce and getting the alimony you deserve can be, which is why I wanted to use this blog to go over the basics of how alimony in Florida works. Alimony, or the financial support that one ex-spouse must give to the other after they divorce, helps the less-well-off ex-spouse keep up with things like bills, a mortgage, and other expenses. How much alimony you are entitled to depends on a few different things, such as how long the marriage lasted, the type of alimony, and other factors that the courts consider when awarding alimony.
While this blog post is not a definitive look at how alimony works, it is a good place to start. Here’s what you should know to get started.
How Long Did the Marriage Last?
The length of your marriage affects how the courts determine the alimony award you are entitled to. The years that you are in the marriage demonstrate how accustomed you are to your current standard of living. There are three different categories that denote the length of a marriage: short-term (less than seven years), moderate-term (seven to 17 years), and long-term (longer than 17 years). Depending on whether your marriage was short-term, moderate-term, or long-term, how long you may receive alimony can change. Talk to a Florida alimony attorney to see how the length of your marriage will affect your alimony amount.
Types of Alimony
In Florida, five types of alimony are available to divorcing spouses. Each of these types of alimony address the circumstances of different divorce cases, and the courts will decide which type is right for your situation. Read through the following to learn more about the different types of alimony you may be entitled to:
Temporary Alimony – When you are in the process of divorcing your spouse, you may need financial support to help cover the bills until you are awarded a more permanent solution. This type of alimony lasts the duration of the divorce proceedings and is terminated upon the resolution of your case. It may be replaced by another type of alimony.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – This form of alimony addresses the financial needs of one spouse who is transitioning from married to single life and can last up to two years. It pays for things like housing, utilities, and other immediate needs.
Rehabilitative Alimony – Rehabilitative alimony helps one spouse who didn’t work during the marriage to find appropriate work for themselves as they adjust to being self-sufficient. To receive rehabilitative alimony, you must present a plan to the courts that lays out the expenses necessary for finding work, including training and education.
Durational Alimony – The courts may also award alimony for the number of years that the marriage lasted, known as durational alimony. Durational alimony is usually only necessary if other types of alimony are insufficient for the needs of the spouse receiving it.
Permanent Alimony – Permanent alimony is only awarded if the spouse receiving it cannot support himself or herself.
Other Factors the Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony
In addition to the above factors, the courts will consider a few different things when determining the type and amount of alimony that is appropriate for your situation. These factors include:
- Standard of living
- Age
- Contributions to the marriage, financial or otherwise
Contact a Florida Alimony Attorney to Get the Award You Deserve
If you are filing for divorce in Florida, get in touch with me today. As a Florida Alimony attorney, I have the expertise necessary to help you receive the best outcome for your case. Take a look at my video to learn a few more important things about alimony in Florida.
About the Author: Helena Y. Farber is an attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas of divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer: The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site, you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.