Types Of Florida Alimony

One of the most common issues negotiated in a Florida divorce is alimony, also known as spousal support. The purpose of alimony is to help the spouse with a lower income maintain their standard of living as they transition to financial independence during and after the divorce. There are many different types of spousal support available in Florida, and the Tampa family attorneys at Bubley & Bubley, P.A. can help ensure that the spousal support settlement is structured correctly in your case. To learn more, call or contact our office to schedule an evaluation of your case.

Temporary Alimony 

Temporary alimony is awarded while the divorce is ongoing in court. The spouse requesting support must show a need as well as the other spouse’s ability to pay. This type of support terminates when the divorce settlement is finalized with the court. 

Bridge-the-Gap Alimony 

Bridge-the-gap alimony is available immediately after the divorce is finalized in Florida. It is often seen as an extension of temporary alimony and helps a spouse cover their living costs, such as bills and utilities, as they transition from married to single life. Florida limits this type of support to two years from the date of the finalized divorce. 

Rehabilitative Alimony 

Rehabilitative alimony is meant to help a spouse financially while they gain the education or skills necessary to reenter the workforce and earn income on their own. Rehabilitative alimony may cover the cost of their education or training, or it may help maintain a standard of living while the spouse receiving alimony becomes financially independent. The spouse requesting this type of alimony must submit a plan with the court and adhere to deadlines on returning to the workforce. 

Durational Alimony 

Durational alimony is also referred to as periodic spousal support. This type of alimony is set for a specific period of time after the divorce but does not require a plan like rehabilitative alimony. Usually, this type of alimony is reserved for spouses that do not qualify for permanent spousal support but do need financial assistance for an extended period of time. Durational alimony in Florida can last the length of the marriage. 

Permanent Alimony 

The final type of alimony offered in Florida is permanent alimony. This type of spousal support is reserved for cases where a spouse is in need of financial support and is unable to obtain financial independence on their own. Common examples include when a spouse is of advanced age, disabled, or caring for a family member with special needs that renders them unable to return to the workforce. Permanent alimony lasts until the spouse receiving support remarries or either spouse dies.

Talk to Our Office 

Are you interested in learning more about the types of alimony awarded in a Florida divorce and what to expect in your case? If so, the experienced and knowledgeable Tampa divorce attorneys at Bubley & Bubley, P.A. are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a consultation of your case.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html#:~:text=(1)%20In%20a%20proceeding%20for,of%20these%20forms%20of%20alimony.