What Are Some FAQs About Alimony In Florida?

Alimony is available in many divorce cases in Tampa Bay, but the issue is largely misunderstood. There are many misconceptions about alimony payments, and anyone going through a divorce is bound to have many questions about it. If you are considering divorce and are concerned about alimony, below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about it.

How Does Alimony Work in Florida?

Unlike when calculating child support, there is no mathematical formula used to determine how much alimony a spouse may receive during or after divorce. A judge will determine if one spouse is entitled to alimony, the amount of payments, how long alimony is to be paid, and the type of alimony ordered. While judges do have a great deal of discretion when making these decisions, they are also bound by certain perimeters.

Which Spouse is Entitled to Alimony?

It is impossible to determine if a spouse is entitled to alimony without first fully reviewing the facts of a specific case. However, the purpose of alimony is to ensure a lower-earning spouse can support themselves after the divorce is final. The legislation is intended to provide for this support so a spouse does not have to rely on public assistance such as welfare and food stamps. A judge will determine whether each spouse can support themselves and if that is not possible, order the higher-income spouse to pay alimony.

How is Alimony Calculated in Florida?

Again, there is no one formula to determine how much alimony a spouse may be ordered to pay. The court will consider two main factors, which are the income of the lower-earning spouse, and the payer’s ability to pay a certain amount.

What are the Different Types of Alimony?

Many people are not aware that there are many different types of alimony in Florida. They include:

• Permanent: Permanent alimony provides support to the recipient spouse until they remarry, or until the death of either party.
• Rehabilitative: Rehabilitative alimony is intended to support the recipient until they can regain the capacity or ability to support themselves. The spouse asking for rehabilitative alimony must show their retraining plan, the intent of the rehabilitation, and the time period in which they will complete the plan.
• Bridge the gap: Bridge the gap alimony is temporary and cannot extend more than two years. It is intended to help the recipient spouse transition from the life of a married person to the life of a single person.
• Lump sum: Lump sum alimony, as its name suggests, is made in one payment and is only available when permanent alimony is appropriate.
• Durational: Durational alimony is intended to provide the recipient spouse with financial support for a certain period of time after the end of a marriage of a short or moderate duration.

How Can a Tamp Divorce Lawyer in Tampa Bay Help with Alimony?

Alimony is often a contentious issue in divorce cases. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce lawyers can negotiate with the other side to obtain the fair amount you deserve, or defend against unfair arguments for it. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Se habla Español.