Understanding Florida Alimony The dissolution of marriage is an emotionally difficult process.

Many important challenges are addressed, but possibly none as important or as complex as the financial ones. A number of divorces involve an award of spousal support, or alimony. Alimony is designed to assist the financially weaker spouse to make the transition to once again become a single, independent person. How Is an Alimony Payment Determined? The award of alimony depends on the receiving individuals need for support, and the paying individuals ability to pay. Under Florida State Law, the following factors may pay an important role in the amount and duration of an alimony award: y y y y y y y y The duration of the marriage. The standard of living established during the couples marriage. The financial resources of each party. The physical and emotional condition of each party. The age of each party. The time needed for either party to acquire a sufficient education or training needed to find appropriate employment. The contribution of each party to the marriage. All sources of income available to either party.

Alimony tries to create a steady balance of financial stability between the two parties while keeping the above listed matters closely in mind. The Different Types of Alimony Alimony comes in many different forms, such as: y y y y y Temporary alimony: Alimony paid and received during the proceeding of the dissolution. Bridge-the-Gap alimony: Alimony paid to help the receiving spouse bridge the gap between a married life and a single life. Rehabilitative alimony: Alimony paid to assist the receiving spouse in rehabilitating themselves in order to re-enter the workforce or obtain a higher paying job. Lump sum alimony: Alimony paid in full at one time. Permanent periodic alimony: Alimony payments that continue until the receiving partys death, remarriage, or entry into another supportive relationship.

The Importance of the Duration of Marriage

One of the most important factors in determining whether or not a recipient will receive permanent periodic alimony is the duration of their marriage. In the state of Florida there is a supposition against permanent periodic alimony in short term marriages, a supposition in favor of permanent periodic alimony in long term marriages, and no supposition in favor or against the award of permanent periodic alimony in grey-area marriages. The generic definitions are: Long term marriage is considered to range from 14 17 years and up depending on the district; short term marriage is considered to extend up to 8 years depending on the district; and grey-area marriages are considered range from 6 18 years depending on the district. How to Ensure Your Rights Are Being Protected. The best way to ensure that your rights are being protected is to contact an experienced family law attorney today. The Boca Raton family law attorney Brian M. Moskowitz knows the finer points of the law and can ensure that alimony is handled in a fair manner, consistent with both partys rights. Contact him today by calling 561-369-4481 or fill out this online contact form. These articles are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.