If you are getting divorced in Florida, you may be paying or receiving alimony or spousal support. You also may be wondering if you can terminate or modify your alimony award. The short answer is that doing so is possible, but only under certain circumstances.
Importantly, Florida no longer offers permanent alimony as an option due to a 2023 change in the law. However, the change was not retroactive; if you currently have a permanent alimony order in place, it is still valid.
What Is Permanent Alimony?
Before July 1, 2023, “permanent alimony” in Florida was awarded to a spouse who, after the divorce, could not afford the needs and necessities of life that the parties had established while together.
If appropriate, permanent alimony was awarded only under specific circumstances, such as for a marriage that lasted over 17 years.
Permanent alimony could be terminated upon the death of one party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. An award of permanent alimony could be modified or terminated based upon a substantial change in circumstances or if the recipient spouse were in a supportive relationship.
However, beginning July 1, 2023, Florida amended its alimony laws to provide for other kinds of spousal support instead of permanent alimony.
What Kind of Alimony Awards Are Available in Florida?
Florida now has three types of alimony after the 2023 changes. These are:
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
Bridge-the-gap alimony is awarded to help a spouse transition from marriage to being single. It is for identifiable short-term needs. Bridge-the-gap alimony may not be for more than two (2) years in duration. Neither the amount nor the duration of bridge-the-gap alimony is modifiable.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to assist a spouse in becoming financially self-reliant. That might mean going to school or receiving work skills training.
Durational Alimony
Durational alimony is awarded for a set time period. There are various restrictions on the duration of the award. For example, it cannot exceed the length of the marriage in question. This is the closest option to the “permanent” option that used to exist under state law.
Should I Hire a Family Law Attorney To Modify or Terminate My Alimony Award?
The 2023 amendments to the alimony laws in Florida are complicated. Permanent alimony is no longer available in the state, but the remaining options can still provide a similar amount of support – depending on the facts of the case. Contact an experienced attorney for help asserting your legal rights and interests.
Contact the Orlando Spousal Support Lawyers of Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando spousal support lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC by calling (407) 831-0203 to schedule a free consultation.
We serve all through Glenn County and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 831-0203