ALIMONY

At KOLEILAT LAW, we have been helping our divorce and family law clients for more than 22 years. Lauren Koleilat is an experienced trial attorney who has the knowledge and skill to determine if a spouse is entitled to spousal support and if so, how much and for how long.

There are many factors that go into whether alimony must be paid from one spouse to the other. In 2011, the Florida Legislature defined marriage into three categories:

1. Short Term Marriage – a marriage of less than 7 years;
2. Moderate Term Marriage – a marriage of more than 7 but less than 17 years; and
3. Long Term Marriage – a marriage of more than 17 years.

Florida law provides for several types of alimony which can be awarded by the court. These include:

1. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony – used to economically assist a party from transitioning from married to single;
2. Rehabilitative Alimony – used to assist a party in establishing the capacity to be self-supporting;
3. Durational Alimony – Awarded to provide one party with temporary economic assistance; and
4. Permanent Alimony – Awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life, established during the marriage to a party to lacks the financial ability to meet his or her own needs.

The Court may grant alimony to either party, upon consideration of the following factors:

1. Standard of living during the marriage;
2. Duration of the marriage;
3. Age, physical and emotional condition of each party;
4. The financial resources of each party;
5. Earning capacities, educational levels and employability of each party;
6. Contribution to the marriage;
7. Responsibilities to minor children;
8. Sources of income available to each party;
9. Any other factor necessary to do justice.

The question of how much alimony will be paid and for how long is a complex one. Contact KOLEILAT LAW today to discuss your case today.