UNDERSTANDING ALIMONY IN FLORIDA
How Courts Decide Spousal Support & What it Means For You Contact Medina Law Firm: Miami-Dade Alimony Attorneys
Schedule a FREE Consultation
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Divorce isn’t just about separating lives—it’s also about untangling finances. One of the biggest concerns for many spouses is alimony, or spousal support.
At Medina Law Firm, LLC, we help individuals understand their rights and obligations when it comes to alimony. Whether you’re seeking support or concerned about paying it, we ensure you have a clear strategy based on Florida law.
How Does Florida Determine Alimony?
Unlike child support, which follows a strict formula, Florida courts determine alimony on a case-by-case basis. Judges consider several factors to decide if alimony is appropriate, how much should be paid, and for how long.
Here are the key factors that influence alimony decisions in Florida:
-
Need vs. Ability to Pay
- Does one spouse financially need support?
- Can the other spouse reasonably afford to pay?
- The court will assess both parties’ incomes, assets, and financial responsibilities.
-
Length of the Marriage
- Short-term (0-10 years): Alimony is less common and typically temporary.
- Moderate-term (10-20 years): Alimony is more likely, especially if one spouse was financially dependent.
- Long-term (20+ years): Alimony is often granted and may be awarded permanently in some cases.
-
Standard of Living
The court tries to ensure that both spouses maintain a similar standard of living to what they had during the marriage, when possible.
-
Age & Health of Both Spouses
If one spouse has health issues that impact their ability to work, alimony may be adjusted accordingly.
-
Contributions to the Marriage
- Did one spouse sacrifice their career to raise children or support the other’s career?
- Non-financial contributions, like homemaking and childcare, are considered.
-
Employment & Earning Potential
If one spouse is unemployed or underemployed, the court may order rehabilitative alimony to help them gain job skills or education.
Types of Alimony in Florida
Florida courts can award different types of alimony depending on the situation:
-
Temporary Alimony
Provides support during the divorce process but ends once the divorce is finalized.
-
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Helps a lower-earning spouse transition to financial independence (limited to 2 years).
-
Rehabilitative Alimony
Supports a spouse while they pursue education or training to become self-sufficient.
-
Durational Alimony
Provides support for a set period (cannot exceed the length of the marriage) and is not available if the marriage lasted less than three years. It cannot exceed 50% of the length of a short-term marriage, 60% of the length of a moderate-term marriage, and 75% of the length of a long-term marriage
-
Permanent Alimony
Has been eliminated as of 2023 and replaced with durational.
Schedule a FREE Consultation
How to Protect Your Financial Future
Whether you’re requesting alimony or facing a support obligation, it’s critical to have a strong legal strategy. Alimony is one of the most contested issues in divorce, and the right legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Medina Law Firm, we work to:
-
Ensure Fairness
Whether you need support or want to avoid an unfair financial burden.
-
Negotiate Reasonable Terms
Alimony doesn’t have to be a fight—we aim for solutions that work for both parties.
-
Help You Move Forward
We focus on securing financial stability so you can rebuild with confidence.
Take Control of Your Future—We’re Here to Help
Alimony decisions can shape your financial future for years to come. Whether you’re concerned about paying too much or not receiving enough, we provide the legal expertise to protect your best interests. Contact us to discuss your options.
Did you know that Alimony, Child Support, and Time Sharing (visitation) can be worked out to everyone’s benefit without costly litigation? If you are in the midst of a divorce or about to get one, there is a more affordable option.
Consider Mediation
Medina Law Firm Offers a More Affordable Alternative to Divorce Litigation
If you're on good terms with your spouse and you're both willing to sit down together with a mediator for the greater good of your family, your sanity and your bank accounts, then Divorce Mediation may be just what you need.
Everything that would normally be decided by a judge can be decided by you and your spouse in about 3 hours with me acting as your neutral mediator. And you’ll be legally divorced in about 3 weeks from the time the paperwork is filed. It’s fast, affordable and much less stressful.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about Alimony in the state of Florida.
Have more questions? Get in Touch
"I Came in Worried"
Divorce is Hard—Finding The Right Lawyer Shouldn’t Be
You deserve clear guidance and strong advocacy. Our Alimony Attorneys provide the support and strategy you need to protect your rights and move forward.