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Court

What Is Alimony And Will I Have To Pay It?

NEW TAMPA FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS

When faced with the possibility of divorce, many people have questions regarding alimony:

 

  • What is alimony in Florida?

  • Will I have to pay my spouse alimony?

  • How much alimony could I be ordered to pay to my spouse?

  • If I have to pay my spouse alimony, how long will I have to pay alimony?

 

Alimony in Florida is intended to provide financial support to one of the parties following a divorce. Alimony can be a sensitive issue because most people do not want to have to support the other party following a divorce.

 

In determining whether to award alimony, the court must first conclude that one party has a need to receive alimony and that one party has the financial ability to pay alimony. Once it has been shown that one party has the need for alimony and that one party has the ability to pay alimony, the questions become which type of alimony is appropriate and what amount of alimony is appropriate.

​When determining the type and amount of alimony to award, the court will consider multiple factors, including but not limited to:

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The Duration of the Marriage

For purposes of alimony, the court will classify a marriage as marriage as being either short-term, moderate-term or long-term.

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Short-Term Marriage:  A marriage lasting less than 7 years.

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Moderate-Term Marriage:  A marriage lasting more than 7 years but less than 17 years.

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Long-Term Marriage:  A marriage lasting 17 years or more.

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The length of a marriage is calculated beginning from the date of the marriage and ending upon the date of the divorce filing.

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The Financial Resources of Each Party

 

The Contribution That Each Party Made to the Marriage

When it comes to contributions to a marriage, most people think only about financial contributions. However, there are other contributions that the court will consider. For example, the court will consider homemaking and the raising of children when considering each party’s contributions to the marriage.

 

 

The Earning Capability and Employability of Each Party

 

The Educational Background of Each Party

The court will look at the educational background of each party and the time required for one of the parties to receive the education or training necessary to obtain employment.

 

In Florida, there are 5 types of alimony:

  1. Bridge-The-Gap Alimony

  2. Rehabilitative Alimony

  3. Temporary Alimony

  4. Durational Alimony

  5. Permanent Alimony

 

Our Florida family law attorneys will discuss the different types of alimony with you and assist you in determining which types of alimony may or may not be appropriate given the facts and circumstances of your marriage and divorce.

CONTACT US today to schedule your CONFIDENTIAL consultation with one of our New Tampa Family Law Attorneys! Our offices are located in Tampa Palms and are convenient to New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and the Greater Tampa Bay area. 

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