The Significance of Alimony to Divorcing Spouses

Although many people think that alimony is a payment only available to women, facts prove otherwise. Either spouse has the liberty to request support. The court evaluates whether the requesting spouse is in need and whether the paying spouse has the means. After the court proves the need for alimony and the ability to make the payment, it assesses other factors. There is no legal formula for the judges to follow when deciding alimony amounts and the category of alimony. The spouse obligated to pay spousal support should be able to make the payment. In most instances, the paying spouse should be earning a higher income than the receiving spouse. The alimony concept got established when one spouse would work a day’s job while the other spouse would take care of the family. After a spouse files for divorce, the other spouse would become destitute, having no source of livelihood.

Alimony cushions financially disadvantaged spouses. Although it is now common for spouses to earn a living independent of one another, alimony remains relevant to ensure that no one suffers financially during and after a divorce. There are five categories of alimony in Florida. They include temporary, permanent, durational, rehabilitative, and bridge-the-gap alimony. Couples have the leeway to discuss the terms of spousal support, including duration, amount, and type. If they disagree, the judge has no choice but to step in and evaluate the circumstances before deciding. Spouses who need support during a divorce proceeding can seek temporary support. The party requesting temporary support should show the need and prove that the other party has the wherewithal.

The court does not grant alimony in Florida for the sake of it. There has to be a legitimate need. For instance, temporary alimony helps low-income earners to remain stable during protracted divorce processes. Upon finalizing the process, the award of this type of alimony gets terminated. Bridge-the-gap support is rare in other states. It helps the benefiting spouses meet their needs as they transition to singlehood. Permanent alimony happens to be quite rare. It gets reserved for spouses who may not become self-sufficient in the future. Before requesting support, seek the help of a diligent attorney. They should help you make prudent choices.