Alimony is a form of financial support that is related to the divorce process. These payments are made from one former spouse to another with the intention of ensuring their needs are met following the marriage. This area of the law can lead to conflict, which makes it important to rely on the guidance of seasoned family attorneys.
Whether you are looking to get alimony or your former spouse has requested it, you deserve legal counsel that will fight for you. The outcome of this dispute can have significant consequences in your life, so ask a Pembroke Pines alimony lawyer for help.
Types of Alimony
There are different types of alimony that a Pembroke Pines attorney can help someone navigate. Some forms of alimony have a maximum time limit that applies, while others do not. Listed below are the types of spousal support that exist in Florida.
Temporary Alimony
While most forms of alimony are paid after the divorce is finalized, that is not the case with temporary alimony. Instead, these payments cover a spouse’s needs during the course of divorce proceedings, which can sometimes last up to a year or more. This determination is important, however, as the amount paid through temporary alimony is often the same amount that is used in later orders.
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Bridge-the-gap alimony is intended to help a person meet their financial needs as they transition from married to single life. This type of support is intended to cover a specific, identified expense and the payments cannot last for more than two years.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is similar to bridge-the-gap alimony in that it is intended to help a former spouse address their inability to meet their own financial needs. Instead of assisting with a single specific financial hardship, this type of alimony generally supports a former spouse as they seek job training or education.
Durational Alimony
Durational alimony provides a person with regular monthly payments for a set amount of time. However, this length of time cannot last longer than the marriage did.
Permanent Alimony
This type of alimony exists to provide spouses from long-running marriages with the support required for their basic needs and necessities. As the name implies, this type of alimony does not have a time limit. It is difficult to obtain permanent alimony for spouses who were married less than 17 years.
How is Alimony Set?
The courts take different factors into consideration when deciding the appropriate amount of alimony to award. The court will first determine the needs of the spouse who is seeking assistance, then they will determine the other party’s ability to offer financial support. If there is a need for it, and the resources are available to provide support, the court will look at the following factors to determine the appropriate amount:
- Duration of the marriage;
- Standard of living during the marriage;
- Financial resources of each party;
- Responsibility for minor children (if any);
- Age of each party;
- Physical condition and health of each party;
- Education level and employment.
Many of these factors are subjective, which makes the guidance of legal counsel even more important. Let a Pembroke Pines alimony lawyer assist when determining how much alimony will be required.
Talk to a Pembroke Pines Alimony Attorney Today
If you and your former spouse are in a disagreement over spousal support, it can be difficult to resolve it on your own. Thankfully, you have the right to hire legal counsel to make your case on your behalf.
The guidance of a Pembroke Pines alimony lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, reach out to us now for a free and confidential consultation.