Introduction
Divorce is a difficult and emotional time for anyone going through it. One of the most contentious issues in any divorce is alimony. Alimony, sometimes referred to as spousal support or maintenance, is the payment one spouse makes to the other after a divorce. In Florida, alimony is governed by specific laws that both parties need to understand before settling on an agreement.
Types of Alimony in Florida
There are several types of alimony available in Florida:
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of alimony is awarded to help a spouse transition from being married to being single. It is usually short-term and cannot exceed two years.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This type of alimony is awarded to help a spouse become self-supporting after a divorce. It is usually awarded for a specific period of time and is intended to help a spouse gain education, training, or work experience.
- Durational alimony: This type of alimony is awarded in marriages that lasted a short or moderate amount of time. It is usually awarded for a specific period of time and cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
- Permanent alimony: This type of alimony is awarded in marriages that lasted a long time, usually more than 17 years. It is awarded to provide ongoing financial support to a spouse who cannot become self-supporting due to age, illness, or disability.
- Temporary alimony: This type of alimony is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is intended to provide support until a final settlement is reached.
Factors Considered in Alimony Decisions
When deciding on alimony, Florida courts consider several factors, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The age and physical and emotional condition of each party
- The financial resources of each party, including non-marital assets
- The earning capacity, education, and skills of each party
- The contribution of each party to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing
- The responsibilities each party will have to care for any children from the marriage
- Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties
Modifying Alimony Agreements
Alimony agreements can be modified under certain circumstances. If the financial situation of either party significantly changes, they may petition the court to modify the agreement. The court will consider factors such as job loss, retirement, disability, or a new marriage when deciding whether to modify the alimony agreement.
Conclusion
Going through a divorce is never easy, and alimony can be one of the most contentious issues. Understanding the different types of alimony available in Florida and the factors considered in alimony decisions can help both parties come to a fair agreement. If circumstances change, the alimony agreement can be modified with the help of an experienced attorney.