Alimony is when one spouse is awarded to pay financial compensation to the other spouse. The purpose is to give the alimony recipient time to be able to take care of their personal expenses without financial assistance. Many Florida residents may think alimony is something that is only paid on a monthly basis. Alimony is actually something that can be paid in a lump sum or done using a combination of both payment methods. A divorce court will determine if alimony is to be awarded to you. It will take a number of non-monetary factors into consideration before making this decision.
Types Of Alimony In Florida
The divorce laws in Florida provide five different types of alimony a spouse can receive. A judge can award a single form of alimony or any combination of them. This decision will be based on what a judge believes is fair under the circumstances. It is also possible for spouses to agree with one another on terms and conditions of their own alimony arrangement. This type of agreement is often successful when legal professionals are involved during the negotiation process.
Temporary Alimony
Florida courts will commonly award a spouse temporary alimony during the time the divorce is pending. This is done in cases where one spouse needs to have financial support during the time the divorce process takes place. This form of alimony is designed to stop once the divorce is final.
Durational Alimony
Should no other form of alimony meet the financial needs of the spouse receiving it, a Florida judge may award durational alimony. The maximum length of time durational alimony can be paid is based on the amount of time two people were married. If a couple were married for twelve years, the spouse receiving alimony can’t receive it for longer than twelve years.
Rehabilitative Alimony
The purpose of awarding rehabilitative alimony in Florida is to help the alimony recipient with obtaining some form of training or education necessary for successful employment. In this situation, the spouse requesting the rehabilitative alimony is required to submit a plan to the court detailing the time and money required to complete their proposed plan.
Bridge-The-Gap Alimony
This form of alimony starts being paid when the divorce is final. It is designed only to last for a short period of time. Bridge-the-gap alimony can last for a maximum of two years. It is designed to help the recipient spouse pay for identifiable, and legitimate short-term financial needs. It may be used when a spouse is waiting for property to be sold. It could also be used to cover the time a spouse is finished with an education program and is searching for employment and more.
Permanent Alimony
This is often awarded to a recipient spouse when their financial needs will be permanent. In order for a judge to award permanent alimony, the recipient spouse much clearly identify the reasons it is necessary. The recipient spouse must lack the ability to support themselves in a standard that is considered similar to their marital standard.
At Konicek Law, we understand that a divorce is not an easy process for anyone involved. If you are struggling with divorce issues, getting quality legal representation, and getting involved in Orlando divorce support groups may help ease the process.
Emily A. Konicek brings 14 years of experience to your family law concerns. Emily excels at mediation, negotiation and litigation, and can help you pursue a course of action that helps you meet your goals for the future and for your family.
