What You Want to Know About Florida Alimony Law

The discussion of alimony during divorcement is a challenging conservation to have for any one, regardless of the amiability of both parties. Whether you are simply considering a divorce, or ready to move forward now, there are some important facts you will want to know and understand about Florida alimony law. Continue below to review the basics of spousal support, spousal maintenance, and more.

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Orlando Divorce Attorney 407-887-7058

Florida Alimony Facts

Following a divorce, the law provides certain relief and security for the lower-earning spouse. This is referred to as alimony. Not only are there different types of alimony that can be awarded in divorce court, various factors influence the amount of money and time a spouse is ordered to pay the other. Such factors include the length of the marriage, the income and employment history of each spouse, the age of each spouse, structured settlements of property and assets, the presiding divorce judge, the skill of the representing divorce lawyer, and much more. However, additional factors, such as the primary roles during the marriage, the number of dependents shared, child support agreements, and spousal collaboration, can also affect alimony orders.

Types of Alimony

There are three common types of alimony that can be awarded in Florida divorce court, Temporary, Rehabilitative, and Permanent (also known as lump sum alimony) spousal support. See our blog, “3 Types of Alimony Awarded in Divorce Court” to learn pertinent details regarding each type of spousal support in Florida.

Temporary Alimony – Temporary alimony is a type of spousal support arrangement that ordered to be paid for a set, limited amount of time.

Rehabilitative Alimony – This is a type of spousal maintenance that allows the lower-earning spouse to go back to school or participate in vocational training in order to achieve financial independence.

Permanent Alimony – Permanent spousal support arrangements are rare, but when granted, remain in effect until the recipient of the alimony remarries, or until either spouse perishes.

Although spousal support is common in our state, the unfortunate truth is, it is still an unpredictable area of family law. There is no guarantee that a spouse will be granted alimony, nor is there a set spousal support schedule that divorce courts adhere to when granting such judgements. Unlike child support rulings, alimony is not calculated according to a precise, statutorily-defined formula. For this reason, it is vital that you retain the services of an experienced and trusted Florida divorce lawyer who can represent your best interests during and after your divorce.

A Trusted and Leading Florida Divorce Lawyer

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice and assistance for all legal matters related to divorce law in Florida, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Our seasoned family law firm is based out of Orlando, and conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. However, office visits are not required for initial consultations, so you can inquire about your legal needs in the comfort of your own home. We can provide initial information over the phone or via video conference, such as Skype.

Shane T. Herbert, Attorney at Law
Shane T. Herbert, Attorney at Law 407-887-7058

3 Types of Alimony Awarded in Divorce Court

Extending our discussion on facts surrounding the dissolution of marriage, today we will look at the three most common types of alimony awarded in the divorce process. Continue reading to learn more about each type of possible spousal support arrangement, as well as, where to get trusted legal advice in Orlando, Florida regarding your divorce matters.

Orlando Divorce Attorney
Orlando Divorce Attorney 407-887-7058

Understanding Alimony

Alimony is interchangeably referred to by other terms, such as spousal support and spousal maintenance. It is money legally court ordered to be paid to one spouse by the other, generally during or after a divorce, for the purpose of maintaining the standard of living both parties grew accustomed to during the marriage. Who pays the alimony depends on certain factors, which can vary from state to state. Most often, the spouse who earned the most money through the duration of the marriage is the person ordered to pay alimony. However, other factors, such as the primary roles during the marriage, the number of dependents shared, and spousal collaboration, can also affect alimony orders.

There are three common types of alimony that can be awarded by a court order in the process or conclusion of a divorce: temporary alimony, rehabilitative alimony, and permanent alimony.

❶ Temporary Alimony

Temporary alimony is a type of spousal support arrangement that ordered to be paid for a set, limited amount of time. Often times, temporary alimony is awarded when a divorce causes a spouse financial hardships. The temporary spousal support order allows them to recover financially during the divorce process. The order then expires once the spouse achieves financial stability again. The eligibility and time limits for this type of alimony depends on your state and their particular divorce procedures.

❷ Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is a type of spousal maintenance that is ordered to allow a dependent spouse to go back to school or participate in vocational training in order to get back into the work force after a divorce and eventually become financially independent. Traditionally, this has been common for stay-at-home parents and care givers who did not work throughout the duration of the marriage. Laws governing eligibility and limits for rehabilitative alimony differ among jurisdictions, so it is important to check with your state for accurate information.

❸ Permanent Alimony

A less common, but still possible, type of alimony is permanent alimony. This spousal support arrangement remains in effect until the recipient of the alimony remarries, or until either spouse perishes. However, in some cases, even a remarriage will not void a permanent alimony order. This type of spousal support is often ordered in cases of long-term marriages, or in marriages in which the recipient has a disability that prevents them from working. Commonly, permanent alimony is paid all in one payment, also known as lump sum alimony. Most states will permit a spouse to choose lump sum alimony arrangement, so long as the total amounts to all future payments.

Questions About Alimony and Divorce in Florida?

Contact the Law Office of Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to speak with a seasoned family lawyer about getting a divorce in Orlando, Florida. From marriage and divorce, to alimony, child support, child custody, and everything in between, we can navigate all aspects of your family legal matters from start to finish. Our office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within The Offices of Veranda Park, with ample free parking. And for your added convenience, office visits are not required for initial consultations, as we are happy to provide them over the phone or even video conference, if needed.

Orlando Family Lawyer 407-887-7058
Shane T. Herbert Law 407-887-7058