The Meaning and Impact of the Different Types of Alimony

Spousal support is a payment ordered by the court from one spouse to the other. Alimony can get awarded during and after a divorce proceeding. The concept exists to cushion spouses from financial distress following a divorce. One spouse can suffer when forced to adjust from family income to one income. Alimony remains an option to date even though most spouses earn an income. The goal is to protect the divorced spouse from financial destitution. There are five alimony types in Florida: rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap, durational, permanent, and temporary support. Spouses can discuss alimony terms, including the category, amount, and duration of support. The court steps in and evaluates the circumstances if couples cannot agree. Bridge-the-gap support is rare in other states. It is a payment made to a spouse to meet legitimate intermediate needs as they transition to singlehood. The money can be used for bills and living expenses. There is a time limit to bridge-the-gap alimony according to Florida laws. The payment gets terminated if the beneficiary remarries or when the paying party dies.

Rehabilitative support is one of the most popular types of spousal support in Florida. It gets awarded if the requesting spouse can become financially stable if given assistance and time to acquire training, education, work experience, or skills to enter the job market. Spouses should produce a defined and specific plan for court review before rehabilitative support gets granted. Durational alimony and rehabilitative support are similar. In both instances, there is a set time limit by the court. However, a rehabilitative plan is not necessary for durational support. Support is given when the beneficiary needs help for a specified time after getting divorced. It is often the option for spouses who don’t qualify for permanent support. The support period should not exceed the duration of the marriage.

Temporary support is a type of Florida alimony granted during the divorce process. The party requesting this payment is obligated to demonstrate the need and show that their spouse has the wherewithal. It is a payment that helps the receiving spouse remain stable during a protracted divorce. Permanent support is rare. It is granted to the spouse who cannot become self-sufficient. Aged and disabled spouses can qualify for this support. Parents taking care of special needs kids can also qualify for permanent alimony. The court should find no other alimony type is reasonable and fair before awarding permanent support.