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What types of alimony are available in a Florida divorce?

On Behalf of | Feb 16, 2023 | Divorce

When your Florida marriage runs its course, you may find yourself in a position where you intend to seek alimony from your partner. On the other hand, you may suspect that you are going to have to pay alimony and wonder how much alimony you might have to pay and for how long.

The Florida Legislature outlines the various types of alimony recognized in Florida and what state courts consider when deciding whether to award it to either party.

Types of alimony available in Florida

The state may award either party in a divorce bridge-the-gap or rehabilitative alimony. The former seeks to give one party time to transition into single life and lasts, at most, two years. The latter seeks to give a party time to develop, or redevelop, the professional or career skills he or she needs to become self-sufficient. Either party in a divorce may also receive a durational or permanent alimony award, with the duration of a durational award varying from case to case.

Factors that determine if an alimony award is appropriate

Courts may consider whether adultery took place in a marriage when deciding whether to make alimony awards. Some of the other factors that may come into play include how long the marriage lasted and whether the dependent party would be able to maintain the same standard of living to which he or she became accustomed without the help of a spouse.

If the court decides an alimony award is appropriate, it may order the paying spouse to make periodic payments, lump-sum payments or both.

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