What is alimony?

Alimony is a form of spousal support that is paid from one spouse to another after the divorce is finalized. It is a way to preserve the economic standard of living that was shared during the marriage, allowing the lower earning spouse to maintain a similar lifestyle. In Florida, alimony is determined by statute, meaning that a judge will look to the law to determine how much to award and for how long. The factors a judge considers include the length of the marriage; the income and earning potential of each spouse; the age and health of the spouses; and the lifestyle the couple established during the marriage. Alimony can be paid in periodic payments or in a lump sum. It may also be rehabilitative, which means that it is paid temporarily to provide financial support while the other spouse can increase their earning potential. Other types of alimony include bridge-the-gap and permanent alimony. Alimony payments end when the receiving spouse remarries or when either spouse passes away. In rare cases, a court can also modify an alimony award if there is a significant change in circumstances.

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