How the Florida Alimony Statute Can Help You Remain Financially Stable During or After Divorce

There are five alimony categories in Florida: Temporary, permanent, rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, and durational alimony. Spouses can negotiate alimony terms, including the duration, amount, and type. Failure to agree invites the judge to evaluate the situation and make a ruling on your behalf. Alimony can get paid to either spouse provided they prove a need for support and show the court that the other spouse has the means to make payments. There are several other factors the court assesses before making a final decision. The judge evaluates the living standard, the age, emotional health, and physical health of spouses, financial resources, earning capacity, employability, vocational skills, education level, the contribution made by spouses to the union, etc. Either one of the spouses can request the court to modify alimony terms if circumstances change significantly. The only exception is if the couples had agreed that there would be no request for review. Bridge-the-gap and durational supports are not modifiable. The only alterable bit of durational support is the amount.

Bridge-the-gap support is rare in other states. The beneficiary can use the financial support to meet intermediate needs as they transition to singlehood. Needy spouses can use the money received to settle bills and living expenses as they wait for an asset to sell or find a full-time job. There is a time limit for this support. Temporary support gets awarded to a spouse during a lengthy divorce. The goal is to help the low-income earner to remain stable. The person requesting should show the nee and demonstrate to the court that their partner has the means.

Rehabilitative support gets awarded to a spouse who needs financial assistance and time to acquire training, education, work experience, or skills to enter the job market. A defined and specified plan is required before the court can award rehabilitative support. Failure to comply with the alimony plan can open a window for the paying spouse to request the court to terminate or modify the awarded spousal support at a later date. Seek insights from your attorney about the Florida alimony statute. They could help you make informed decisions to remain financially stable during and after the divorce.