How to Determine Alimony Duration, Amount, and Category in Florida

Bridge-the-gap support is rare in other states. It is the support given to help the receiving spouse to meet their intermediate needs as they transition to singlehood. The beneficiary can use the money to settle living expenses and pay bills as they wait for an asset to sell or as they seek a full-time job. There is a time limit to bridge-the-gap support. The support gets terminated if the beneficiary gets married to another person or when the spouse making the payments dies. Temporary alimony gets awarded during the divorce process. The requesting spouse should demonstrate to the judge that they need support and that the paying spouse has the means to make the payments. The low-income earning spouse relies on a temporary support to remain stable during a protracted divorce. It gets terminated after marriage dissolution. Rehabilitative alimony is quite common in Florida. It gets awarded to a spouse who can become financially independent given time and assistance to acquire an education, work experience, training, and the necessary skills to enter the job market.

Durational support and rehabilitative support are similar. However, a defined and specific plan is required before the award of rehabilitative support. Durational support becomes appropriate when a spouse needs assistance for a given time following the divorce. It is often appropriate for spouses who don’t meet the conditions for permanent support. The support period should not exceed the marriage duration. Permanent support is rare. The support granted is reserved for a spouse that needs financial assistance and cannot become self-sufficient any time soon. Permanent support is alimony that becomes appropriate for an aged or disabled spouse or a spouse caring for special needs children. Spouses should demonstrate special circumstances that make permanent support necessary. The court considers marriage length when determining the final award.

Surprisingly, there is no standard formula for determining the type and amount of alimony award. The judge has the discretion to decide the duration, amount, and type of alimony that is appropriate for a spouse. The court ensures that the spouse making the payment has a higher net income (unless under special circumstances) compared to the beneficiary.