The Application of the Different Categories of Alimony in Florida

Temporary support takes place when a spouse needs support during a protracted divorce process. The party requesting spousal support ought to demonstrate to the court that they need support and that the paying spouse has the means to make payments. Temporary support helps low-income earners to become financially stable before a lengthy divorce gets terminated by the court. Bridge-the-gap support is rare. It helps the receiving spouse to meet their intermediate needs as they transition from marriage to singlehood. A needy spouse could use the money to settle bills and living expenses as they seek a full-time job or as they wait for an asset to sell. The support period should not exceed a specified time. Bridge-the-gap support terminates if the beneficiary remarries or when the spouse making the payments dies.

Rehabilitative support is quite common in Florida. It gets awarded in instances where the beneficiary can become financially independent given time and assistance to acquire an education, work experience, training, and skills to enter the job market. A defined and specific plan is needed for rehabilitative support to be granted by the court. Durational alimony and rehabilitative support are similar except that a specific and defined plan is not required. Durational support is necessary when supported spouses need money for a given period following the divorce. Spouses who fall short of the requirements for permanent support can qualify for durational support. The period for durational support should not exceed the length of the marriage. Permanent support is rare. It is often reserved for spouses that need financial assistance but cannot become self-sufficient any time soon. Permanent support is appropriate for disabled and aged spouses. It is also suitable for parents taking care of special needs kids.

There is no standard formula to determine Florida alimony. The court ensures that the paying spouse earns a higher net income compared to the beneficiary except in special instances. Judges have the discretion to determine the duration, amount, and type of support appropriate for a spouse.