Post-Divorce Planning: How Long Do Tampa Alimony Payments Last?
If you are going through a divorce in Hillsborough County, protecting your financial security in the aftermath is a top priority. If you make significantly less than your spouse, you may be entitled to alimony payments.
When it comes to how long these payments last, the type of alimony you are seeking and how long your marriage lasted are important factors. Our experienced Tampa divorce lawyer explains what you need to know to plan for your future.
How the Florida Statutes Apply to Alimony Payments
Changes to Florida’s alimony laws in 2023 eliminated permanent alimony, or payments with no end date. Today, courts work within a more structured framework that ties potential alimony duration directly to the length of the marriage. Guidelines under Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes include:
- In marriages lasting less than 10 years, alimony may extend for up to 50 percent of the marriage’s duration.
- For marriages lasting 10 to 20 years, alimony may extend for up to 60 percent of the duration.
- For marriages lasting 20 years or more, payments may extend for a maximum of 75 percent of the total length of the marriage.
- Courts may extend alimony beyond these limits only in exceptional circumstances, such as a spouse’s disability or inability to become self-supporting.
The type of alimony also influences the timeline. Rehabilitation and short-term alimony help you reach certain goals (such as earning a degree or completing additional job training). Durational alimony can help cover a longer period, such as while raising children from the marriage, but it is only an option if you were married for more than three years.
Other Factors That Influence How Long Tampa Alimony Payments Last
In addition to state guidelines regarding the duration of your marriage and the type of alimony awarded, the Hillsborough County Family Court will also consider factors unique to your specific situation. Those that could either shorten or lengthen a Tampa alimony award include:
- The total amount of time it is likely to become self-supporting.
- Whether you sacrificed your own career or education to support your partner.
- Any ongoing physical or mental health conditions that limit your ability to work.
- Whether you are close to retirement age.
- Whether your spouse tried to hide assets, had an affair, or squandered marital funds.
Courts also consider responsibilities related to minor children, particularly when a child has special needs that require a parent to limit their work schedule.
To Discuss Your Rights to Alimony, Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Tampa Divorce Lawyer Today
Alimony payments in Tampa can play an important role in financially recovering from a divorce. To help ensure you get what you are entitled to and that payments last for as long as needed, get professional legal help at Bubley & Bubley, P.A.
Our experienced Tampa divorce lawyer protects your rights and financial interests throughout the divorce process. For help in making a fresh start, call or contact us online today to request a consultation with our experienced Tampa divorce lawyer.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html
