Pursuant to Florida Statute 61.08, Alimony or Spousal Support has been broken down into 4 specific categories (1) Bridge The Gap (2) Rehabilitative (3) Durational and, (4) Permanent
Bridge The Gap Alimony
The goal of Bridge The Gap alimony is to assist a party in the transition from married life to single life. The party seeking Bridge The Gap alimony must prove to the Court that they have a legitimate and identifiable short term needs that warrant an award of Bridge The Gap alimony. There is no defined duration for an award of Bridge The Gap alimony however it is short term in nature.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is designed to assist a party with learning, developing, or honing skills that will put the party in a better position to secure employment or a career that will allow the party to be financially self supporting. The length of an award of rehabilitative alimony is based on the defined rehabilitative plan submitted by the party seeking the award.
Durational Alimony
The purpose of durational alimony is to provide a party with economic assistance for a set period of time following a marriage of short or moderate duration or following a marriage of long duration if there is no ongoing need for support on a permanent basis. The length of an award of durational alimony may not exceed the length of the marriage.
Permanent Alimony
Permanent alimony is designed to provide for the needs and necessities of life of a party as they were established during the marriage. Permanent alimony is normally only available in long term marriages of 17 years or more however, there are exceptions. Permanent alimony is as the name suggests permanent and continues indefinitely.
Lump Sum Alimony
This is not a 5th category of alimony but instead it is a term that refers to the frequency of payment of alimony as opposed to a type of alimony. If the situation warrants it and the there is an ability, the Court has the authority to order that alimony be paid as a lump sum rather than over an extended period of time.
Call Phipps at (813) 600-3201 or Contact Us to schedule a free 15 minute telephone consultation to better understand your rights and to learn how legal representation may benefit you with your specific situation.
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