Information About Alimony in Florida
When going through the divorce process, you may hear the word alimony thrown around without understanding what exactly that is. To make understanding alimony more complicated, there are even several different kinds of alimony in Florida. Alimony is a payment that one former spouse makes to another to help provide support during a difficult period of bereavement and ensure that one does not suffer too great a shift in their quality of life after the divorce. This article will cover the four different types of alimony present in Florida and explain some further questions you may have about them, including one big one.
Permanent Alimony
This type of alimony occurs if the court determines that long-term support is needed in the divorce. It tends to apply if you cannot work or provide for yourself for any particular reason or if there is a significantly large gap in the quality of life you had during the divorce compared to what you can provide for yourself. This lasts until the death of your former spouse or your remarriage. Significant financial changes can also end this type of payment.
Bridge-The-Gap
Transitional periods tend to result in this form of alimony. This alimony is intended to support you with payments while you work toward becoming financially independent and secure following the divorce. This alimony has a definitive end date that will not exceed two years.
Rehabilitative
This alimony allows you to prepare to reenter the job market and requires a clear plan to return to work to be presented to the court. In addition, it may be awarded to pay for training or other needs as you readjust to your life following the divorce.
Durational
Considered a potential second option to permanent alimony, this form provides payments for a set period that cannot be changed once set by the court. It also cannot last longer than your former marriage, depending on certain circumstances. For example, for a marriage that lasts five years, the alimony can last up to but not exceed five years.
Your alimony will always fall under one of these four categories in Florida if the court decides to award you with alimony. Each kind has different rules. In general, it may end if you remarry or your ex passes away. There are some more questions you may have. You should speak with an experienced support lawyer if you have concerns about needing support following the divorce.
Questions and Answers
Can My Ex Live With Someone and Receive Alimony?
In your marriage, you may have been the primary source of income for the household. You could, therefore, understand supporting your ex if the marriage ends and they find themselves without income. It may not even be an issue for you. What you might have a problem with, however, is being taken advantage of. If your ex finds themselves in a committed relationship but does not remarry, so they continue to receive payment, but state lawmakers considered this malicious possibility.
Some statutes allow you to end alimony if your ex cohabitates with a new romantic partner. Section 61.14 of Florida’s State Statutes allows the court to use the following factors to decide if your ex is in a new relationship that can support them:
- If the partner and your ex present themselves as a married couple,
- Your partner and your ex share assets and liabilities,
- If the two make significant purchases together,
- The new partner provides them with the majority of their financial support,
- If The length of the new cohabitation.
In this situation, the burden of proof falls on you. In this case, you’re the party required to show that your ex is in a new supportive relationship. If you require more information, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our office today with any questions you may have.