The following is a summary of Florida alimony laws, and is by no means intended to be an all-inclusive description of what to expect in your particular case. In some cases, the exact text of the statute may have been simplified and/or modified to provide for easier understanding. For a more specific understanding of the laws, you should consult the full Florida Code and/or consult with an attorney about how the law might apply to your particular situation.

Alimony Guidelines.

Alimony can be permanent or rehabilitative. In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court may consider adultery and other circumstances in their award. The following alimony guidelines are established under Florida laws:

1. The standard of living established during the marriage.
2. The duration of the marriage.
3. The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.
4. The financial resources of each party, the non-marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.
5. When applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.
6. The contribution of each party to the marriage, including but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.
7. All sources of income available to either party.

-From Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes

Rehabilitative Alimony – Case Law.

Kristensen v. Kristensen (433 So.2d 598 Fla. 5th DCA 1983) …”In awarding rehabilitative alimony, there must be a specific finding by the trial court regarding the need for rehabilitation and a plan to do so. Rehabilitative alimony is from a financially able former spouse to a financially needy former spouse to assist the needy spouse in adjusting to a new life and to aid in obtaining new skills, education, and/or other rehabilitation.

This information has been summarized from the Florida statutes. You can find the full-text version of these and other Florida divorce statutes online here: Florida Divorce Laws.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL ALIMONY LAWS.

GO TO ANOTHER DIVORCE ARTICLE.

IMPORTANT: Help Yourself Divorce is a paralegal service, not a law firm. Please don’t rely on this information for legal advice. Seek help from an attorney if you need legal advice.

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