If you are considering divorce in Miami, you may be curious about alimony. As a Miami family lawyer, I think it’s an important aspect to think about when divorcing your spouse. In short, alimony is the financial support that one ex-spouse pays to another after divorce. It helps the less-well-off spouse keep up with bills and other expenses. How much alimony a spouse is entitled to depends on each case. In Florida, six types of alimony exist, each of which fills a different need.
Ready to learn about the different types of alimony in Florida? Here they are.
Temporary
As the name implies, temporary alimony only lasts for a short time. The purpose of temporary alimony is to keep up with expenses for the duration of your divorce trial. A Miami family lawyer can help you secure temporary alimony.
Bridge-the-Gap
Like temporary alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony only lasts for a set amount of time, no longer than two years. The purpose is to help one spouse to transition from their married status to single life. It covers necessities such as housing, furniture, utilities, and other immediate, short-term needs. As a Miami family lawyer, I always remind my clients that they can receive different types of alimony in addition to bridge-the-gap alimony.
Durational
Durational alimony is a relatively new thing in Florida. Essentially, it allows one spouse to receive alimony for as long as the marriage lasted. The courts award durational alimony if other types of alimony are insufficient to meet the needs of the divorced spouse. While the amount of the award can be amended, following a change in circumstances that requires additional funds, the duration that the award lasts can’t be extended.
Permanent
When most people think of alimony, they are thinking of permanent alimony. However, the courts won’t award permanent alimony without cause, which makes it less common than other forms. To qualify for permanent alimony, you must be unable to support yourself. Having a disability, for example, that makes it impossible for you to work would make permanent alimony a viable option.
Rehabilitative
This type of alimony is meant to help one spouse, who may not have worked during the marriage, to become self-sufficient. To receive an award for rehabilitative alimony, the spouse must present a plan to find appropriate work. This can include training and education. Once the plan is accepted, the award can be modified in certain circumstances—for instance, if the cost of education rises or if the spouse does not comply with the rehabilitation plan.
Lump Sum
Different types of alimony can be awarded as lump sum alimony. To be awarded alimony in the form of a lump sum, or one-time payment, the court must establish that a special necessity drives the need for a lump sum. Alimony can be awarded as a lump sum and as a periodic payment simultaneously.
Contact a Miami Family Lawyer Today to Learn More!
Do you want to learn more about pursuing the alimony that you are owed? Contact The Law Offices of Granda and Associates, PA to learn how we can help.