Understanding the Different Types of Alimony in Florida

Before a judge can award an alimony amount, they consider many factors. The objective is to ensure that neither spouse is disadvantaged during or after the divorce. Florida has different categories of alimony to serve various purposes. Depending on the situation and needs of spouses, a specific type of alimony can get awarded. There is no formula for deciding spousal support. Although the alimony concept is ancient, it is still in force. The objective is to ensure that no spouse is left desperate during or after a divorce. The different categories of alimony include durational, permanent, rehabilitative, temporary, and bridge-the-gap. Temporary alimony gets availed to a spouse who needs assistance during divorce proceedings. The party requesting temporary support should show the court that they need it and that their partner has the wherewithal. It helps the spouse with a low income become financially sufficient in the cause of a protracted divorce.

Apart from permanent alimony, all other types of spousal support have an expiry date. Bridge-the-gap alimony is a rare type of spousal support. It is set aside for a spouse transitioning from marriage to singlehood. The receiving spouse uses the money to meet their legitimate financial needs as they wait for a property to sell or before they get active employment. Bridge-the-gap support has a time limit. Rehabilitative alimony is quite popular in Florida. It gets awarded where the beneficiary can become self-sufficient given some financial assistance and time to develop skills, acquire an education, gain work experience, etc. Spouses have to create a well-defined and specific plan before rehabilitative support gets granted.

Durational support is a type of alimony Florida similar to bridge-the-gap. In both, the court sets a time limit. It is preferred when the supported spouse needs assistance for a given period after getting divorced. In this case, the spouse is not qualified for permanent support. Spousal support cannot exceed the duration the marriage lasted. Permanent support is rare. It only gets awarded for the spouse who needs help and cannot become independent. It is often appropriate for disabled or aged spouses or spouses taking care of special needs children.