Michele Lebron | December 5, 2024 | Divorce near Kissimmee, FL
If you’re going through a divorce in Kissimmee, Florida, you might wonder how long alimony payments last. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is money one spouse pays to the other after a divorce.
The length of time for alimony payments can vary based on several factors. This blog post will help you understand how long alimony usually lasts in Florida and what influences its duration.
Types of Alimony in Florida
Florida offers different kinds of alimony to meet various financial needs after a divorce. Knowing these types can help you figure out how long you might pay or receive support. Types of alimony include:
- Temporary alimony: Temporary alimony provides support during the divorce process. It ends when the divorce is finalized. This helps maintain financial stability until everything is settled.
- Bridge-the-gap alimony: Bridge-the-gap alimony helps with short-term needs as you move from married life to being single. It covers specific expenses and cannot last more than two years.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony supports a spouse who needs education or training to become self-supporting. The length depends on how long it takes to complete the planned education or training.
- Durational alimony: Durational alimony provides support for a set period. It cannot last longer than the length of the marriage.
What type of alimony is best for your situation depends on a number of factors, and speaking to a personal injury lawyer is the best way to figure out your options.
Factors That Affect Alimony Duration
Several factors influence how long alimony payments last. Factors considered include:
- Length of the marriage: The length of your marriage plays a big role in determining alimony duration. Marriages are classified as short-term (less than 7 years), moderate-term (7-17 years), or long-term (more than 17 years). Longer marriages may lead to longer alimony periods.
- Financial situations: The court looks at both spouses’ income, assets, and ability to earn money. They also consider contributions to the marriage, like raising children or supporting a spouse’s career. This helps determine the need and length of alimony.
- Changing or ending alimony: Alimony payments aren’t permanent and can be changed or stopped under certain conditions. If there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as a big increase or decrease in income, you can ask the court to modify the alimony.
Many other circumstances could lead to a change in the amount of support awarded as well. For example, if the person receiving alimony remarries or starts living with someone else, the paying spouse may request to end payments. Alternatively, if the paying spouse loses their job or faces health issues that affect income, they might seek to reduce payments.
What You Should Do About Alimony
Whether you’re paying or receiving alimony, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities. You should:
- Talk to a family law attorney: They can give you advice based on your situation.
- Keep financial records: Have documents like income statements, tax returns, and expense reports ready.
- Stay informed: Laws can change, so keep up-to-date with Florida alimony laws.
Taking these steps can help ensure your interests are represented at all times.
Contact an Experienced Family Lawyer in Florida for Help
In Florida, how long alimony payments last depends on many factors, including the type of alimony and the specifics of your marriage. Understanding these elements can help you prepare for the future. If you have questions or need guidance, consider reaching out to a qualified family law attorney who can help you navigate the alimony process.
Contact Lebron Law, PLLC to schedule a free consultation with a Florida family law attorney and get your questions answered. Call us today at (321) 800-5195.
We serve all through Osceola County and its surrounding areas in Florida. Visit our office at:
Lebron Law, PLLC
15 S Orlando Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741
(321) 800-5195
