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Alimony

Whether you are seeking enforcement of an alimony award, seeking modification of alimony due to a substantial change in circumstances, or seeking a divorce, our office has the skill necessary to achieve positive results in a cost-effective manner.

Contact us today to find out how we can assist you with your legal needs.


Types of Alimony in Florida

There are five types of alimony in Florida: permanent periodic, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, lump sum, and temporary.

Permanent Periodic
Permanent periodic alimony is paid to the receiving spouse, generally monthly, for the rest of the receiving or payor spouse's life or until the receiving spouse remarries or is otherwise in a supportive cohabitative relationship.  The purpose of permanent periodic alimony is to maintain the standard of living established by the parties during the marriage and is generally only awarded in a long-term marriage.

Rehabilitative
Rehabilitative alimony is paid to the receiving spouse for a set term for the purpose of establishing the receiving spouse's capacity for self-support.  Rehabilitative alimony is intended to be used for specific purposes such as job training or college tuition.

Bridge-the-Gap
Bridge-the-gap alimony is a form of short-term alimony in those cases where the receiving spouse is already self-supporting, is not in need of rehabilitation, but nevertheless needs assistance to transition between married life and being single.

Lump Sum
Lump sum alimony is awarded only under special or unusual circumstances that make alternative forms of alimony either unavailable or inappropriate.  It is sometimes awarded either to ensure support or to effectuate the division of property.

Temporary
Temporary alimony is awarded between the initial filing for divorce and the final judgment for dissolution of marriage.  A former spouse will usually receive this type of alimony when the filing for divorce has left them without any form of income.

Need and Ability to Pay Standard

In order to support any of the types of alimony awards above, the payor spouse must have the ability to pay the alimony awarded and the receiving spouse must have a need.

Factors Considered in Determining the Amount of Alimony

The following factors are considered when determining the amount of alimony:

     *  The standard of living established during the marriage
     *  The duration of the marriage
     *  The age, physical condition, and emotional condition of each party
     *  The financial resources of each party
     *  The time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient job training
     *  The contribution of each party to the marriage

In addition, the Court may consider any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.
 
Contact us today to set up an initial interview to discuss how these factors apply to the unique facts and circumstances of your case.




The information provided on this page is intended to be for educational purposes only and in no way establishes an attorney-client relationship or provides legal advice.  Upon information and belief, the information provided on this page is accurate as of September 1, 2008.  Since family law statutes and rules change frequently, please consult an attorney before relying on the information contained in this page.