In a Florida divorce, several types of alimony may be awarded. One option is durational alimony.
As the name suggests, this alimony is only provided for a specific time. The goal of durational alimony is to provide financial assistance to the spouse who requires economic help but does not need it permanently.
Durational alimony cannot be awarded for marriages that lasted less than three years, and it’s generally granted for 50% of the length of a short-term marriage, 60% of the length of a medium-term marriage and up to 75% of the length of a long-term marriage.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for durational alimony, the court considers several factors, which include but are not limited to:
- Each party’s financial resources, including marital and non-marital liabilities and assets.
- The standard of living established during the marriage.
- The duration of the marriage.
- Age, physical, and emotional condition of both parties.
- Contributions of each spouse to the marriage, such as childcare, education, and career building of the other spouse.
A critical point is that there needs to be a specific need for time-restricted financial support, unlike permanent alimony, where long-term support is essential.
Documentation needed to receive durational alimony
You need specific documentation when applying for durational alimony. Some of the things you need include:
- Financial statements
- Tax returns
- Proof of income
- Proof of expenditures
In some situations, vocational evaluations are done to determine the receiving spouse’s employability and income potential. This is especially important if they have not worked for a long time.
You must meet the requirements to receive durational alimony. The court will consider everything here to decide if you will be awarded this. Remember, the purpose of durational alimony is to provide temporary support. It is essential to know your legal rights and options in this situation.
