Assessing The Potential Impact Of Alimony On Your Divorce

Getting a divorce can be a stressful time in your life. Trying to settle alimony can be even more complicated. Alimony is a financial obligation that one spouse pays to another after a divorce. It can be either a recurring payment or a one-time lump sum. However, it is not guaranteed.

I am Lorri Fishman, a Fort Lauderdale attorney with extensive experience handling family law issues. I have extensive knowledge of Florida’s alimony laws and can help you determine if and how it may affect your life after divorce. I also have practical knowledge after going through my own divorce.

Florida Allows Three Types Of Alimony

After a divorce is final, courts can award alimony for a limited period for various reasons, including living expenses and educational opportunities. Florida has three types of alimony that vary by length and amount. Due to a change in the law in 2023, Florida’s no longer allows permanent alimony.

Depending on your situation, you may have grounds for seeking one of the following types of alimony.

Bridge-The-Gap

Also called temporary alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony helps receiving spouses adapt to a single life. These short-term payments cannot exceed two years and can’t be modified. Bridge-the-gap payments cease after two years, the recipient’s remarriage or death.

Rehabilitative

Rehabilitative alimony can last up to five years, allowing the recipient to develop or refresh employment skills to be self-supportive. A court must approve a detailed plan, which may include education, training or work experience. Courts must approve any modifications.

Durational

Durational alimony may be available based on the length of the marriage. Unions lasting less than three years aren’t eligible. Florida laws define marriage durations as:

• Short-term: If your marriage lasted three to seven years, alimony may result for up to 50% of the time you were married.
• Moderate-term: If your marriage lasted seven to 17 years, alimony may result for up to 60% of the time you were married.
• Long-term: If your marriage lasted 17 years or longer, alimony may result for up to 75% of the time you were married.

Durational alimony payments can’t exceed 35% of the disparity between both parties’ incomes or the recipient’s reasonable needs, whichever is less.

What Factors Do Courts Consider For Setting Alimony Payments?

Under Florida law, requesting spouses must prove they deserve alimony and that their ex-spouse can pay. Here are some of the factors judges consider:

• The marriage’s length
• Each spouse’s emotional and physical condition
• The standard of living for spouses
• Each party’s financial resources, including nonmarital and marital assets and debts
• Each party’s ability to find appropriate employment
• The earning capacity of each spouse, their vocational skills and educational levels
• The length of time for either spouse to find employment, which may include necessary education or training
• All available income for either party, including investments

As you can see, assessing alimony and establishing the length and amount is extremely complicated. I understand these complex laws and can explain how or if your future may be affected. I will also advocate for your interests in court.

Work With A Fort Lauderdale Alimony Attorney Who Will Protect Your Financial Interests

When you work with me, you’ll benefit from:

• Over 25 years of experience
• Personal understanding of what you are going through
• A small boutique law firm that gives you VIP service

I have the legal and personal knowledge to assist you on this complicated journey. Call Lorri K. Fishman, P.A., at 954-928-9832 or email me to schedule a free consultation. I will be there from start to finish so you can make an informed decision.