What are the laws regarding paying or receiving alimony in Florida?

A major issue which develops in many divorce cases is that of alimony. When most people think of alimony they think of a situation where they’re required to write their ex a check every month until the ex either remarries or one of them dies. But there are also several other forms of alimony in the State of Florida: bridge-the-gab alimony, rehabilitative alimony and temporary spousal support. Each of these alimony types has a specific application and one or all of them may be applicable in your particular case.

• Temporary alimony is when the funds that are designed to maintain the status quo that existed during the marriage and to keep the spouse provided for while the divorce is proceeding.
• Bridge-the-gap alimony is intended to give the party a fresh start post divorce so that they can get back on their feet financially
• Rehabilitative alimony is specifically designed to allow the spouse to get the specific training or education they may need to be able to go out and support themselves in the real world.

A family lawyer can assess the particular facts of your case, tell you whether or not you are a candidate or potentially at risk of having to pay alimony, and provide you with an analysis as to which type of alimony may be applicable and what your potential benefits are under that aspect of the case.

Gary E. Williams is a lawyer at Clearwater Firm in Florida.