Common questions about alimony
Florida courts grant alimony in certain divorces. Our divorce attorneys in Fort Lauderdale at Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. explain alimony options with our clients so they can make informed decisions about alimony.
What types of alimony are possible in Florida?
In Florida, alimony may be temporary, rehabilitative, or permanent, and payments may be periodic (monthly payments) or in a lump sum. In addition to these traditional types of alimony, new alimony laws became effective on and after July 1st, 2010. As a result, two other types of alimony also apply called bridge-the-gap alimony and durational alimony.
What is the difference between the various types of alimony?
- Temporary alimony. Temporary alimony is a short-term arrangement, usually granted by the court for support while divorce is pending.
- Rehabilitative alimony. Rehabilitative alimony requires a specific plan to help a spouse develop work skills through education, training, or work experience to become self-supportive. The spouse must submit a specific plan on how to acquire the skills and the type of financial assistance needed. A considerable change in circumstances, plan noncompliance, or plan completion may result in modification. If the plan fails to achieve the intended objective, the court may decide to make the alimony permanent.
- Durational alimony. The court awards durational alimony for a specified time when marriages were short- or medium-term marriages. Short-term marriage is considered less than seven years and a medium-term marriage ranges between seven and 17 years. Alimony can be modified if circumstances change substantially, and the duration for payment may not be longer than the time the couple was married.
- Permanent alimony. Permanent alimony is awarded for the rest of the spouse's life or until the spouse remarries or either spouse dies.
What criteria are used to determine alimony?
Under Florida statute 61.08, guidelines used by the courts to decide alimony include:
- Marriage duration
- Standard of living
- Physical and emotional condition of spouses
- Spouses' ages
- Financial resources based on property distribution and liabilities
- Time for either spouse to become educated or trained and to find employment
- Each spouse's contribution to the marriage, including homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other spouse
- Each spouse’s available income sources
