Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Tampa Estate Planning Lawyer
Schedule an appointment
813-265-1185

The types of alimony that a judge can award

alimony4

There are four different types of periodic alimony that are available for the trial court to award:

  1. Bridge the gap alimony: Bridge the gap alimony is limited to fewer than two years and terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. Such alimony may not be modifiable in amount or duration. This type of alimony is appropriate in short-term marriages.
  1. Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is alimony awarded to enable a person to become rehabilitated or to receive some type of educational background, which would allow them to become self-sufficient. A rehabilitative alimony request must be presented with a specific plan outlining the plan of rehabilitation. Rehabilitative alimony may be modified or terminated based either upon a substantial change of circumstances, non-compliance with rehabilitative plan or completion of the plan.
  1. Durational alimony: Durational alimony is a new type of alimony, and it fills in the gap between bridge the gap and permanent periodic alimony. It provides for support for a marriage of short or moderate duration. It will terminate upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. The amount of durational alimony may be modified or terminated based upon substantial changes of circumstances. The length of durational alimony may not be modified except under substantial circumstances and is limited to the length of the marriage. Generally, we see most courts awarding duration alimony in a term equaling 50 percent of the marriage.
  1. Permanent periodic alimony: Permanent periodic alimony is awarded for a marriage of long duration, a marriage of moderate duration if appropriate considering the factors in the statute, or following a marriage of short duration if there are some exceptional circumstances. As always, this type of alimony terminates upon the death of either party or upon the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. It may also be modified or terminated based upon substantial change in circumstances or upon the existence of a supportive relationship in accordance with Florida Statute 61.14.

Lump-sum alimony may also be utilized by the court in fashioning a fair distribution of assets and earning capabilities. This type of alimony is more rare and is generally used to convey property from one spouse to another.

Tampa Estate Planning Attorney

Paul Riffel Law is located in Tampa FL and serves clients in and around Brandon, Tampa, Valrico, Odessa, Thonotosassa, Gibsonton, Sydney, Dover, Land O Lakes, Oldsmar, Apollo Beach, Lithia, Safety Harbor, Trilby, Plant City, Durant, Holiday, Hillsborough County and Pasco County.

Firm Location

1319 W Fletcher Ave
Tampa, FL 33612

Connect With US

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission from www.PaulRiffel.com
Managed by MileMark Media

© 2015 - 2024 Paul E. Riffel, Attorney at Law. All rights reserved..
This law firm website & legal marketing is managed by MileMark Media.

Contact Form Tab