If you are a Florida resident considering divorce, you may wonder how alimony agreements work. Most states have their own laws that cover spousal support calculations and eligibility requirements, and Florida has very detailed legislation for alimony agreements. When courts determine the terms of an alimony agreement, there are numerous factors that may affect the amount and type of alimony you pay or receive.
You may get information on the state’s alimony statute from the Florida Legislature. According to the state’s official website, there are several types of alimony, including rehabilitative, bridge-the-gap and permanent. Each type has a specific purpose in helping people establish financial independence after divorce. For example, you may qualify for permanent alimony if you were married for a long time and cannot meet your financial needs after a divorce. This type of alimony may continue until you remarry or die. Durational alimony is different: It only applies for a set period of time. A court may award durational alimony after a short marriage.
If you are planning to support yourself after acquiring or redeveloping certain career skills, you may qualify for rehabilitation alimony. This sort of limited-duration alimony requires a clear plan that describes how you will develop the skills necessary to support yourself. Bridge-the-gap alimony is similar. This type of arrangement may help you transition from marriage to single life by providing you with funds to find housing or purchase a car. For all types of alimony, a court may use several different factors when determining the amount of the payments. Your alimony agreement may depend on your standard of living during the marriage, the length of your marriage and your income.
This information about alimony is intended for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
