Types of Florida Alimony

One of the most significant considerations in any Florida divorce is whether, what kind, and how much alimony will be paid by one spouse to the other during and after a divorce. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is meant to help the less wealthy spouse maintain his or her standard of living during the transition to becoming financially independent after divorce. Florida law allows for many different types of alimony in a divorce, and one or more types of spousal support could be awarded in your case. To speak with an experienced Florida divorce attorney about your case, call or contact The Soto Law Office in Altamonte Springs today.

Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is awarded to a spouse during the divorce proceedings. It is meant to help cover the costs of living until the divorce is finalized. For example, payments on the mortgage of the marital home, utilities, transportation, attorneys’ fees, and other payments may be covered by temporary alimony. This type of spousal support will end when the court enters a Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

Bridge-the-gap alimony covers any immediate expenses following the divorce or to help pay for any final costs stemming from the divorce. Payment for an appraiser to value the marital home, covering costs while a spouse is still in school, and other specific, short-term expenses to help one spouse during the transitional period immediately following the divorce. This type of spousal support cannot last longer than two years after the divorce.

Durational Alimony

Durational alimony is also known as permanent periodic alimony. This type of spousal support is typically awarded when no other type of short term alimony is appropriate for the situation. Many people confuse durational and temporary alimony payments, but the difference comes in the timing. Temporary alimony is awarded while the divorce is ongoing, while durational alimony is awarded after the divorce is finalized. This type of support is paid to a former spouse for a set period of time based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to a spouse to help cover the costs of any education, training, or skill building required to help that spouse enter the workforce. In order to qualify for rehabilitative alimony, the former spouse must submit a plan to the court that describes the type of training needed, a timeline, and total costs. The purpose of this alimony is to help a former spouse become self-sufficient and financially independent.

Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony is awarded in a Florida divorce case only when no other type of alimony is appropriate. This can be for a number of reasons, from the length of the marriage to the age of the spouses, or because of a physical ailment that prohibits a spouse from working and becoming financially independent. Caring for a disabled or sick family member may also qualify a spouse for permanent alimony. Like the name suggests, permanent alimony is paid indefinitely until the remarriage of the recipient spouse or the death of either spouse.

Call or Contact Us Now

The type and amount of alimony awarded in your case can have a significant impact on your overall divorce settlement. If you would like to learn more about Florida alimony and how it may apply in your divorce case, call the office or contact us in Altamonte Springs at The Soto Law Office now.