While many people think of child support when they go through the divorce process, they do not always think about alimony. Alimony is a type of financial support given to an ex-spouse that will help them to maintain the standard of living that they enjoyed during the marriage. In the state of Florida, and it’s awarded on a case by case basis. Are you eligible for alimony? Should it be included in your divorce proceedings? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Is Alimony Awarded?
Alimony is designed to help resolve the financial disparity between the two divorcing spouses and ensure that the other spouse is able to maintain a similar standard of living. There are many different factors that a judge can weigh when deciding whether or not alimony is appropriate, and the amount awarded can vary a great deal. Because alimony can have a long-lasting effect on the financial state of both parties, it’s imperative that you work with a lawyer to ensure a successful outcome for you. Alimony and child support proceedings can quickly become hostile and contentious, but working with the right attorney from the start can help.
What Are the Types of Alimony in Florida?
Florida has five separate types of alimony in order to suit a variety of situations. This is helpful for spouses who might benefit from alimony in the short term but not longer, or spouses who have been married for 50 years and require permanent alimony. The types include:
- Temporary alimony, which covers divorce proceedings and ends during the final judgment
- Bridging the gap alimony, which allows the amount that each spouse would need to transition from married life to single life
- Rehabilitative alimony, which allots money to cover the time or training that a spouse might need to obtain employment or get the education or training needed to do so
- Durational alimony, which can be awarded for a set amount of time that does not exceed the length of the marriage itself
- Permanent alimony, which is granted typically in marriages that lasted many years and will continue until remarriage or death
We can help you determine if you could benefit from alimony and the right way to approach the divorce process with your needs.