Changes to Florida Alimony Law

Recent changes have been made to Florida's alimony laws that went into effect for pending cases and divorces filed after July 1, 2010. Courts will now determine whether one party actually needs alimony and whether the other party is able to pay it. The court will now also be responsible for determining the type and amount of alimony that is appropriate.

The definitions of short term, moderate term, and long term marriages have been re-defined to less than 7, between 7 and 17, and over 17 years, respectively. The length of the marriage is measured from the marriage date to the day that the dissolution petition is filed. Bridge-the-gap alimony and rehabilitative alimony are now in the statute. The former may not be modified, but the latter may.

Durational alimony has been added to Florida law. When permanent alimony is not appropriate, durational alimony can be awarded, and it can be modified but the length of the alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage. Another change is that permanent alimony is codified and awarded based on the standard of living during the marriage. It can be awarded in any length term marriage, but requires exceptional factors to be granted in a short term marriage.

For further information about Florida's alimony laws, speak with a Jacksonville family lawyer today by contacting Ellerin & Hutchinson.