Alimony In Divorce
Alimony is money that is paid by one spouse to the other during or after a divorce. There are several types of alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance. Whether you will get paid alimony will ultimately be determined as part of your final divorce settlement terms. While alimony was often a common part of every divorce proceeding, today, this is not necessarily the case. With more dual-working couples, the need for spousal support has decreased. If you require alimony it is best to discuss your needs with an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible.
Alimony is decided on a case by case basis and there are many issues that will factor into the decision to pay alimony as well as the length of time the alimony will be paid and how much money will be provided. The general divorce settlement terms should be decided by both partners as part of the divorce – if couples cannot agree the courts will usually ask couples to go through mediation prior to ultimately making a ruling.
How Alimony is Determined
Many things are considered when determining the details of alimony. For example, if one partner worked while the other stayed at home to care for the children, the working partner may be required to provide alimony to the other. However, the terms of alimony will be decided by many different factors such as:
- Length of the marriage;
- Assets and debts;
- Current salaries;
- Number and ages of children;
- Ability of both parties to get future employment;
- Educational background;
- Age; and
- Lifestyle.
Types of Alimony
There are various types of alimony in Florida. Each type is designed for a specific purpose. Some of the most common types of alimony include temporary, bridge-the-gap, and lump sum. Temporary alimony is intended to provide one party with money for immediate living expenses for a short period of time. This type of alimony will usually end at a specific time. Bridge-the-gap alimony is money paid for a period of time while the spouse does what is necessary to prepare to re-enter the workforce. This is specifically used for couples where one spouse may have been out of the workforce for some time and may now need to take classes or otherwise prepare to go back to work. Lump sum alimony is a specific amount of money awarded to one spouse as part of the divorce settlement. This one transaction will complete the alimony obligation.
Alimony in Settlement Terms
Alimony is just one of the various settlement terms that must be agreed upon by divorcing couples. Financial considerations, such as alimony, are often a point of contention. Your attorney has experience working through negotiations and mediation. You must supply all of the necessary financial information along with employment history and educational background.
Alimony is not designed to punish either spouse, but instead is supposed to provide equitable money distribution so both people continue to live in the manner to which they have become accustomed. The judge makes alimony part of the divorce settlement terms that will be ordered in the final judgment. An experienced divorce attorney will assist you through the entire divorce process and will advocate for your rights.
When you are seeking a divorce, count on our compassionate attorneys for the guidance and assistance you need. Contact the Tampa divorce and family lawyers at All Family Law Group, P.A. in Tampa Bay at 813-816-2232 for a consultation at no charge or email us.
By Lynette Silon-Laguna Google+
