Alimony is when one spouse helps to support the other spouse during and after the divorce. Alimony depends on many factors such as the length of the marriage, the need for support, the earning capacity of the spouse, the amount of education and the disparity in earnings between the parties. There are four types of alimony in Florida, Lump Sum, Rehabilitative, Periodic and Permanent. Alimony is temporary or permanent financial support paid from one separated spouse to the other, either in one lump sum or in installments. Alimony is designed to provide the lower-income spouse with money for living expenses over and above the money provided by child support. Alimony differs from child support because it is at the discretion of the judge. Child support is usually determined by state-sanctioned guidelines. A Court order for Alimony can be changed after the divorce if the party can prove there has been a substantial change in circumstances. It is important to chose an experienced family law attorney who knows Florida law regarding alimony before choosing a lawyer and going to Court to modify the Final Judgment. |
