When most people think of spousal support, also known as alimony, they think of a situation where they are required to write a monthly check for their ex-spouse until the ex either remarries or passes away. However, there are several different types and ways spousal maintenance can be rewarded in Florida.
The following are the six different types of alimony in Florida:
- Permanent Spousal Support – Allows a spouse who has not worked (or has a lower income or lower earning potential) and has a need for alimony to continue to live in the same standard of living as it was during the marriage. The longevity of the marriage and the greater disparity of income are some of the factors the court considers, so permanent alimony is most often awarded to those who were involved in long-term marriages.
- Temporary Spousal Support – Awarded to a spouse to cover their needs from the time that the divorce is filed through the entry of the Final Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage.
- Rehabilitative Spousal Support – Awarded to assist a spouse in establishing the capacity for self-support through either the redevelopment of previous skills or credentials, or the obtainment of education, training, or work experience required to develop adequate employment skills or credentials. Often awarded more in medium length marriages and possibly short-term marriages.
- Durational Spousal Support – Provide a spouse with financial assistance for a set period of time following a marriage of short or moderate duration. Often a solution in between permanent and rehabilitative alimony.
- Lump Sum Spousal Support – Can be used as a means of support and, other times, can be used to equalize the property and asset division.
- Bridge-The-Gap Spousal Support – Allows a spouse to ease the financial transition from married to single life. It is considered short-term alimony that cannot exceed two years in length.
If you are interested in filing for divorce, schedule a consultation with our Gainesville divorce lawyer at Swanson Law Center, P.A. today.