Understanding Alimony in Florida

Understanding Alimony in Florida

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a financial arrangement that ensures the lower-earning spouse can maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. In Florida, alimony is determined based on various factors and can be a complex subject to navigate. This blog post is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive understanding of alimony in Florida, including its types, determination factors, and modification rules, so you can make informed decisions during your divorce.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Florida law recognizes several types of alimony, each serving different purposes and varying in duration and amount:

1. Temporary Alimony:
   • Purpose: Provides support during the divorce process.
   • Duration: Until the final divorce decree is issued.
2. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony:
   • Purpose: Assists the receiving spouse transitioning from married to single life.
   • Duration: Cannot exceed two years and is non-modifiable.
3. Rehabilitative Alimony:
   • Purpose: Helps the receiving spouse become self-sufficient through education, training, or work experience.
   • Duration: Based on a specific plan approved by the court, it can be modified upon substantial changes in circumstances or completion of the plan.
4. Durational Alimony:
   • Purpose: Provides economic assistance for a set period.
   • Duration: Cannot exceed the length of the marriage and can be modified in amount but not duration.
5. Long term Alimony:
   • Purpose: Offers support of a determined length, usually several years, to a spouse who lacks the financial ability to meet their needs post-divorce. This type of divorce is usually for couples married for many years.
   • Duration: Can be modified or terminated upon a significant change in circumstances, such as remarriage, cohabitation with a non-relative, or death of either party.
6. Lump sum Alimony: A specific amount given only once at the granting of the divorce.

Factors Influencing Alimony Decisions

When determining alimony, Florida courts consider multiple factors to ensure a fair outcome:

1. Standard of Living: The lifestyle enjoyed during the marriage.
2. Duration of the Marriage: Short-term (less than seven years), moderate-term (7 to 17 years), or long-term (17 years or more).
3. Age and Health: Both spouses’ physical and emotional condition.
4. Financial Resources: Each spouse’s income, assets, and liabilities.
5. Earning Capacities: Educational background, vocational skills, and employability.
6. Contributions to the Marriage: Includes homemaking, childcare, education, and career-building of the other spouse.
7. Time and Expense Needed for Education or Training: To obtain employment skills.
8. Parental Responsibilities: Considerations for each party’s responsibilities concerning any minor children they have in common.

Modifying Alimony

Alimony orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. Common reasons for modification include:

• Change in Income: Substantial increase or decrease in the paying spouse’s income.
• Remarriage or Cohabitation: The receiving spouse remarries or enters a supportive relationship.
• Retirement: When the paying spouse retires, their income changes significantly.

Understanding alimony in Florida is crucial for anyone going through a divorce. The alimony’s type, amount, and duration can vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Given the complexities involved, it’s highly advisable to consult with a family law attorney to ensure a fair outcome.

Grant Gisondo is a Board-Certified Family Law Attorney representing clients in the Florida

Counties of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, and Orange. He offers a free, initial, in-office consultation. You can request an appointment at his office (561-530-4568). To learn about Attorney Gisondo’s law practice and read client and peer reviews, please visit his website https://gisondolaw.com.