Family & Marital - Alimony / Spousal Support

Alimony / Spousal Support

Will I have to pay or will I receive spousal support?

Unlike child support, alimony in Florida is not currently determined by a specific formula and is often a complex and quarrelsome issue. The court analyzes need, ability to pay, length of marriage, age, and a multitude of other factors to determine the form and amount of alimony, if any. 

There are several types of alimony available under Florida law, including: 

• Bridge-the-gap alimony is awarded to help one spouse meet a short-term need, such a transitioning from married to single life. It may not to exceed a duration of two years, and it may not be modified. 


• Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a specific amount of time to help a spouse establish a means of supporting himself or herself in the future by redeveloping previous skills or acquiring education or training for new employment skills. This time of alimony can be modified. 


• Durational alimony is awarded to provide the receiving spouse with economic assistance for a set time period that does not to exceed length of marriage. This type of alimony is more common following short-term (less than 7 years) and moderate-term (7 to 17 years) marriages. 


• Permanent alimony is generally only awarded for long-term marriages (more than 17 years). Additionally, the court must determine that no other type of alimony is fair. Permanent alimony can be modified or even terminated if there is a substantial change in circumstances for either party or if the receiving former spouse enters into a supportive relationship.

We have experience demonstrating to the court a need for alimony consistent with a lifestyle established during the marriage, ascertaining the need for a specific type of alimony, or even defending against claims for alimony. 

If you have questions about a family law matter and wish to speak to an experienced attorney, our team is here to help. Contact us today.

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