Alimony, sometimes called spousal support, can be important after a divorce. Regular financial support makes it possible for dependent spouses to establish their own households or prepare to re-enter the workforce.
People expecting to receive alimony often need to understand how long they can count on financial support, while those making payments want to estimate how long they must split their income with a spouse after a divorce. While every support order is unique, understanding the general guidelines applied in Florida alimony cases can help people plan financially for life during and after divorce.
Marriage duration is a key consideration
Although many people think of alimony as a permanent obligation, changes to Florida alimony laws have effectively eliminated permanent alimony. Typically, alimony only lasts for a set number of months, and the duration of the marriage is one of the main factors that influence how long the payments last.
If alimony payments are appropriate, they may last a certain percentage of the overall length of the marriage. Short-term marriages that lasted less than 10 years typically result in alimony orders that last less than 50% of the total length of the marriage.
Moderate-length marriages that lasted between 11 and 20 years can result in alimony lasting roughly 60% of the marriage’s length. Longer-term marriages may result in alimony lasting up to 75% of the marriage’s length. The duration of the marriage, the contributions of both spouses to the household and other details about family circumstances strongly influence the final alimony order.
Reviewing marital circumstances can help people roughly estimate how long alimony might last after a divorce. Spouses who understand state law can approach spousal support and other economic matters in a rational and realistic manner.