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.
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.
