Alimony is a crucial aspect of divorce proceedings.
It is a court-ordered payment that one spouse may be required to make to the other after the divorce is finalized. Alimony is intended to provide financial support to the spouse who may have been financially dependent on the other during the marriage. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of alimony available in Florida and the factors that the court considers when deciding on alimony payments.
Types of Alimony in Hillsborough County
There are several types of alimony available in Florida and the court may order one or a combination of these types of alimony. The types of alimony available are:
1. Temporary Alimony: This type of alimony is awarded during the divorce proceedings and is intended to provide financial support to the dependent spouse until the divorce is finalized.
2. Bridge-The-Gap Alimony: This type of alimony is intended to provide financial support to the dependent spouse for a short period of time after the divorce is finalized. The duration of this type of alimony cannot exceed two years.
3. Rehabilitative Alimony: This type of alimony is intended to provide financial support to the dependent spouse while they acquire the education or skills necessary to become self-sufficient. The duration of this type of alimony is typically determined by the length of time required for the dependent spouse to become self-sufficient.
4. Durational Alimony: This type of alimony is intended to provide financial support to the dependent spouse for a specific duration of time, which cannot exceed the length of the marriage. The purpose of this type of alimony is to provide the dependent spouse with the necessary financial support until they can become self-sufficient.
5. Permanent Alimony: This type of alimony is intended to provide ongoing financial support to the dependent spouse. The court may order this type of alimony if the dependent spouse is unable to become self-sufficient due to age, disability, or other factors.
Factors Considered by the Court when Deciding on Alimony
The court considers several factors when deciding on the type and amount of alimony to be awarded. Some of these factors include:
1. The length of the marriage
2. The financial resources of each spouse
3. The age and health of each spouse
4. The standard of living established during the marriage
5. The earning capacity of each spouse
6. The contributions made by each spouse to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing duties
7. The responsibilities each spouse will have with regard to any minor children they have together
Alimony is an important aspect of divorce proceedings. The type and amount of alimony awarded depend on several factors, including the length of the marriage, the financial resources of each spouse, and the standard of living established during the marriage. If you are going through a divorce in Florida and have questions about alimony, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney. At The Sherer Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing clients in alimony and divorce proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.