What is Alimony?
Alimony/Spousal Support is where one spouse (husband or wife) financially helps the other spouse during or after a final order for a dissolution of marriage. Sometimes that assistance can take on different forms.
Different types of Alimony
Depending on the circumstances the following types of alimony may be awarded: bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, or permanent in nature. In any award of alimony, the court may order periodic payments, payments in lump sum, or both. The court may consider the adultery of either spouse or the circumstances thereof in determining the amount of alimony, if any, to be awarded.
Factors
The length of the marriage will play a vital role in whether or not a person may be eligible for alimony. In order to award alimony, there has to be a need for the alimony and the ability of the spouse to pay for the alimony.In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court shall consider all relevant economic factors, including but not limited to the following factors:
-The standard of living established during the marriage.
-The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.
-The financial resources of each party, the nonmarital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.
-When applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.
-The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, childcare, education, and career building of the other party.
-All sources of income available to either party.
-The court may consider any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.
Alimony can be something that is used to help one party get back on his/her feet and become financially stable.
When I hear a potential client say this phrase “I feel for them...” Unfortunately, some may think navigating the Family Court System can be easy and will be as simple as an Law Order episode. The fact of the matter is that the Florida Family Court system can be confusing and overwhelming and this does not take into consideration the Statutory and the Case law that goes along with navigating the system. Also, don’t forget about each Judge and their likes and dislikes.
The fact of the matter is that navigating the court system is not a game and once a judge makes a decision on your matter you don’t get a redo unless you are able to appeal.