What are the different types of alimony in Florida?

Financial security in the wake of a divorce can be a very real concern for anyone. However, the longer you have been married, the more of a concern it can be. This can be particularly true if you stopped working during your marriage to take care of your children and home.

Not every household is supported by two incomes. While this may be a good situation when two people are married, it can lead to a serious imbalance when and if a couple gets divorced. In many of these situations, alimony can and should be considered. This financial support can help a person transition out of a marriage without facing serious financial hardship. However, there are different types of spousal support in Florida

  • Bridge-the-gap alimony: This type of spousal support is designed to be short term and help a disadvantaged spouse make the financial transition out of being married. 
  • Rehabilitative alimony: Courts may order rehabilitative alimony in situations where one spouse needs help redeveloping professional skills through training or education. A specific plan for rehabilitative efforts must be included in requests for this type of alimony.
  • Durational alimony: In situations where the need for financial support is more extensive than what may addressed through bridge-the-gap or rehabilitative support, durational alimony may be ordered. This type of alimony can provide more long-term support.
  • Permanent alimony: In some cases, permanent alimony may be ordered though it is not as common as other types of alimony. While there are certainly exceptions, it is typically ordered when two people were married for a long time. Payments only end if one party passes away or if the recipient gets remarried.

As noted in Florida alimony statutes, the type of alimony that is awarded depends on many different factors including the length of a marriage, earning potentials of each spouse and the lifestyle to which spouses got accustomed while married. Courts can decide to order one, multiple or zero types of alimony based on these factors.

If you have concerns regarding alimony and your financial future, it can be quite helpful to discuss your specific situation with your attorney. 

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