Florida law provides four different types of alimony for multiple kinds of situations. The law contemplates married couples who have decided to divorce at different stages of their lives. The law also recognizes that an ex-spouse’s responsibility to his or her partner may not end upon the termination of the marriage. The types of alimony available in Florida include the following:
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
- Temporary Alimony
- Durational Alimony
- Rehabilitative Alimony
The category of alimony awarded is based on the circumstances of the receiving spouse and the length of time the parties were married.
Additionally, modifying an already established alimony agreement requires a cognizable change in circumstances such that a Florida court will recognize that the requesting party’s situation has substantially altered and requires more or less assistance from the paying spouse.
Attorney for Alimony Awards in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
There are many reasons why a party would require an ex-spousal support modification. The types of alimony alone establish how circumstances may change from one situation to the next. Having an experienced attorney to aid you in navigating the murky waters of divorce and alimony will be invaluable in a Florida court of law.
The Lawyers of Bacchus Law Firm are experienced family law professionals dedicated to getting families the closure that they need during hard times. Having provided counsel to numerous clients throughout the Greater Miami-metropolitan area, we take cases in Broward County, Palm Beach County, Collier County, and Miami-Dade County.
Our office is conveniently located at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale, just minutes from Broward County Central Courthouse and we have taken cases in Miami, West Palm Beach, LaBelle, and East Naples, Florida.
Contact our office at (954) 500-5555 for a no-obligation consultation.
Overview of Florida Alimony in Broward County
- Which factors determine alimony awards?
- What are the different kinds of alimony?
- Where can I find more informaiton about Florida alimony in Fort Lauderdale?
Factors for Alimony Award
According to Fla. Stat. § 61.08, once the court decides that a spouse is entitled to alimony, it considers the following factors in determining the type of alimony, the amount awarded, and the distribution time frame:
- the standard of living established during the marriage;
- the age and the physical and emotional condition of each party;
- the duration of the marriage;
- the earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties;
- the time necessary for either party to acquire the sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment when applicable;
- the contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party;
- the responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common;
- the tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment; and
- all sources of income available to either party.
Types of Alimony in Florida
The various circumstances of the marital parties will determine the type of alimony awarded by a Florida court. Not all alimony types fit every couple. Some alimony is awarded as a means to support the ex-spouse as he or she is attempting to gain additional knowledge or skill for employment, and others are meant to last for a set amount of time.
- Durational Alimony – is based on the length of time of the marriage. Under Florida law, an ex-spouse cannot receive alimony for longer than the marriage lasted.
- Rehabilitative Alimony – is awarded to assist a party in his or her ability to become self-sufficient through either the redevelopment of previous skills or credentials or in acquiring training, education, or work experience to gain the necessary skills or credentials.
- Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – is awarded to assist the ex-spouse in meeting legitimate and identifiable short-term needs, such as support while the ex-spouse is completing education or training, or waiting for a house to sell. Bridge the Gap Alimony has a maximum duration of two years.
Alimony Changes
In 2023, Florida joined states like New Jersey, Utah and Pennsylvania by placing caps on alimony, and eliminating “permanent alimony.” Prior to 2023, judges could set alimony without a limit.
Caps on Terms of Alimony
Permanent Alimony – Removed.
Rehabilitative Alimony – Is now capped at 5 years.
Durational Alimony – Marriages that last less than 3 years are not eligible for durational alimony. For marriages lasting 3-10 years, durational alimony cannot exceed more than 50% of the length of the marriage. Marriages that last 10-20 years are capped at 60%, and those lasting 20 years or more are capped at 75%.
Caps on Alimony Payments
Another protection introduced in 2023 is on alimony payments. Alimony payments are now capped at 35% of the difference in income between the spouses. This means that if one spouse makes $120,000 a year and another spouse makes $60,000 a year, the alimony payments cannot exceed $21,000 a year. In addition, the state ensures that alimony payments should not leave the payer with less net income than the payee. In the above scenario, the spouse making $60,000 a year would not be required to pay alimony to the spouse making $120,000 a year.
Changes in income are important and should be discussed with a lawyer for the appropriate filing.
Additional Resources
61.08 F.S. – visit the official website of the Florida Legislature for more information on the statutory language used to describe alimony awards and the various factors that Florida courts consider when distributing alimony.
Attorney for Alimony Awards in Broward County, FL
Understanding what one may be entitled to in alimony after a divorce is invaluable the individual is attempting to maintain a lifestyle accustomed to or if he or she is attempting to acquire more skills for job opportunities. Having an experienced attorney to help you understand alimony will be invaluable.
The Lawyers of Bacchus Law Firm are experienced family law professionals dedicated to getting families the closure that they need during hard times. Having provided counsel to numerous clients throughout the Greater Miami-metropolitan area, we take cases in Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Collier County.
Our office is conveniently located at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale, just minutes from Broward County Central Courthouse and we have taken cases in Miami, West Palm Beach, LaBelle, and East Naples, Florida.
Contact our office at (954) 500-5555 for a consultation.
