Divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, especially when adjusting to life without your spouse’s support. In some cases, alimony can help ease that transition. As of 2024, Florida has eliminated permanent alimony for new divorces. Now, durational alimony may be awarded instead, and the length of your marriage plays a key role in determining both the amount and duration of support you may receive.
The Length of a Marriage Impacts Alimony Determinations
While the duration of a marriage can impact the amount of alimony you may receive in a divorce, there is no minimum amount of time that you must be married. A judge is likely to take a holistic view of a couple’s lives and circumstances based on the length of time they were married.
According to Florida alimony law, marriage lengths are calculated based on the following allocations:
- Short-term marriage: 10 years or less
- Moderate-term marriage: 10-20 years
- Long-term marriage: 20 years or more
These categories heavily impact many aspects of alimony decisions. The longer a couple has been together, the more likely one spouse may have become dependent on the other or adjusted to a certain lifestyle. Alimony would take this into account to help maintain a similar level of support.
The Duration of Alimony Payments May Vary
The length of the marriage also impacts how long alimony payments last. The payment duration is likely to be comparable to the amount of time you and your spouse were married. So the longer the marriage, the longer alimony payments may be required. Payments may also be modified or ended early if there is a significant change in circumstances or the need for financial assistance is eliminated.
Other Factors Courts Consider When Awarding Alimony
When determining whether to award alimony in Florida, courts examine more than just the length of the marriage. The goal is to ensure fair support when one party is economically disadvantaged as a result of the marriage.
Key factors considered include:
- The standard of living during the marriage
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s age, physical, and emotional condition
- Financial resources and earning capacities
- Contributions to the marriage (e.g., homemaking, child-rearing, education)
These factors help ensure a fair and balanced outcome. A comprehensive evaluation of both spouses’ financial and personal circumstances helps guide the decision. These factors, combined with each party’s net income, are used to calculate the alimony payment amount that must be paid.
Types of Alimony in Florida
Different types of alimony exist to meet different needs. Some individuals may require financial relief for different lengths of time or need it for a very specific purpose. That is why Florida has three primary types of spousal support.
These include:
Bridge-the-Gap Alimony
This short-term support helps a spouse transition from married life to financial independence. It typically lasts no longer than two years and cannot be modified once awarded.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Designed to support a spouse in becoming self-sufficient, this type helps cover costs for education, training, or job skill development. It is limited to five years or less.
Durational Alimony
Awarded when one spouse faces financial hardship, limited job prospects, a disability, or is caring for a dependent with special needs. The marriage must have lasted at least three years to qualify, and the duration of support cannot exceed the length of the marriage.
Regardless of what type of alimony you receive, it is important to know that your ex-spouse can be held liable if they refuse to pay alimony.
Understanding Alimony Eligibility After Marriage in Florida
Alimony can play a critical role in ensuring financial stability after divorce, especially when one spouse has relied on the other for support. While there is no fixed minimum duration of marriage required to receive alimony in Florida, the length of the marriage significantly influences both the type and duration of support awarded.
By understanding how courts evaluate factors such as marriage length, financial need, and personal contributions, you can better prepare for what to expect during divorce proceedings. If you’re considering divorce or have questions about spousal support, contact Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC for a free consultation with a Florida divorce lawyer.
Contact the Orlando Divorce Law Firm of Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, by calling (407) 831-0203 to schedule a free consultation.
We serve all through Orange County and its surrounding areas. Visit our office at:
Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC
815 N Magnolia Ave Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803
(407) 831-0203