One of the most unsettling decisions to make is whether or not to terminate your marriage. The idea of divorce is frightening and affects the entire family. If you are weighing your options, seek the help of an experienced attorney. There are laws put in place to help support your family’s livelihood by compensation from the spouse through alimony. However, alimony laws are different in each state. Florida alimony options are listed below.
Permanent Periodic Alimony: Depending on your circumstances, for a marriage lasting longer than 16-17 years, permanent alimony may be considered. Permanent alimony will continue for life, or until the spouse receiving it gets remarried. Courts will usually refuse to order permanent alimony if it is relatively easy for the supported spouse to secure gainful employment. In such cases, the court will likely establish a termination date.
Durational Alimony: This alimony option is generally considered for marriages lasting less than 16-17 years, but that is not a requirement. Durational alimony cannot last longer than the length of the marriage. Similar to permanent periodic alimony, durational alimony may be modified or terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
Rehabilitative Alimony: To qualify, the supported spouse must propose a course of action whereby the spouse will obtain career education or training. The idea is to award a specific amount of support to finance this purpose, after which further alimony will not be necessary. Rehabilitative alimony will be terminated upon completion of the plan. It may be modified or terminated upon a showing of non-completion of the plan or a substantial change in circumstances.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony: This type of alimony is designed to help a spouse cope with legitimate, identifiable short-term needs. This alimony is meant to help bridge the gap from married life to single life. An award of this alimony may not exceed 2 years and may not be modified.
Lump Sum Alimony: This type of alimony is generally used to settle property issues and may be awarded in long-, medium-, or short-term marriages. This alimony is generally paid from one spouse to another in one lump sum, though it may be broken up into more than one payment. Lump sum alimony is non-modifiable.
Temporary Alimony: This award is usually granted during the pendency of the divorce proceedings. Temporary alimony is created to provide for living expenses while the case is ongoing. This alimony may be modified or terminated at any time if found appropriate by the presiding judge. Additionally, this type of alimony terminates once a final judgment is entered at which point, one of the other types of alimony may be ordered.
There is never a “good time” to bring up divorce. The attorneys of Parker and DuFresne understand the challenge you are facing while considering divorce. Allow us to provide you with a one-on-one free legal consultation to help determine what is best for you. Give us a call today to discuss your legal options.
Parker and DuFresne
