Florida law allows for a number of types of alimony, the amount of which is based both on the receiving spouse’s needs and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Whether or not there had been adultery in the marriage can also be a factor in determining how much alimony is paid.
Bridge the Gap alimony is paid so that the spouse receiving the payments can transition from married life to single life. The duration of the alimony does not exceed two years. The amount and duration of the alimony cannot be altered by either spouse. The alimony terminates at the death of either party or the remarriage of the receiving spouse. The court has to determine that the receiving spouse has legitimate, short term financial needs.
Rehabilitative alimony is paid when the receiving spouse needs to establish or reestablish job skills and/or certifications in order to become self-sufficient. The receiving spouse has to present a plan to make him or herself self-supporting. The terms of the alimony can modified if the receiving spouse does not follow the rehabilitative plan or if he or she completes it early.
Durational alimony is determined by the length of the terminated marriage, with short term being less than seven years, medium term being seven to less than 17 years, and long term being 17 years or greater. The duration is for a set term not to excess the length of the marriage. The terms can be altered due to changes in circumstances and terminated upon the deaths of either spouse or the remarriage of the receiving spouse.
Permanent alimony, which is generally awarded for marriages of 17 years or greater, are paid until the deaths of either spouse, the remarriage of the receiving spouse, or by court order. The payments are tax deductible for the paying spouse. It can be modified due to change of circumstances or if the receiving spouse has entered into a supportive relationship.
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