What Is Alimony?

Alimony, sometimes referred to as “spousal support,” is the financial support one spouse may be required to pay to the other during or after a divorce. Its purpose is to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that enjoyed during the marriage.

Alimony is not automatic — it must be requested, and the court evaluates various factors before awarding it.

Types of Alimony in Florida

Florida courts may award different types of alimony based on the circumstances of the divorce:

1. Temporary Alimony

• Purpose: Support during divorce proceedings.

• Duration: Ends when the final divorce decree is issued.

2. Bridge-the-Gap Alimony

• Purpose: Helps transition from married life to single life.

• Duration: Cannot exceed two years and cannot be modified once ordered.

3. Rehabilitative Alimony

• Purpose: Supports a spouse while they gain education, training, or work experience.

• Requirement: A clear rehabilitation plan must be presented.

4. Durational Alimony

• Purpose: Provides support for a set period.

• Typical Use: Often awarded when permanent alimony is inappropriate.

5. Permanent Alimony (Limited under recent Florida laws)

• Purpose: Provides lifetime support.

• Typical Use: Reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse cannot meet their needs independently.

Florida Senate Bill 1416 (2023) significantly reformed permanent alimony. Now, permanent alimony is largely abolished, and durational alimony has specific caps depending on the length of the marriage.

How Is Alimony Determined?

Courts in Sarasota and throughout Florida consider several factors when determining if alimony is appropriate:

• Standard of living during the marriage

• Length of the marriage (short-term, moderate-term, long-term)

• Age and physical/emotional condition of both parties

• Financial resources of each party, including marital and non-marital assets

• Earning capacity, education, vocational skills

• Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and child-rearing

• Responsibilities for minor children

• Tax treatment and consequences

• Any other factors necessary to achieve equity and justice

An experienced Sarasota alimony lawyer can help you present a compelling case whether you are seeking or opposing alimony.

How Long Does Alimony Last?

The length of alimony depends on the type awarded:

• Bridge-the-Gap: Up to two years.

• Rehabilitative: Tied to a rehabilitation plan timeline.

• Durational: Cannot exceed the length of the marriage.

Durational Alimony Caps (Post-2023 Law Changes):

• Short-term marriages (<10 years): Up to 50% of marriage length

• Moderate-term marriages (10–20 years): Up to 60% of marriage length

• Long-term marriages (20+ years): Up to 75% of marriage length

Can Alimony Be Modified or Terminated?

Yes, alimony can sometimes be modified or terminated if there are significant changes in circumstances, such as:

• Substantial change in income

• Retirement

• Remarriage or supportive relationships

However, Bridge-the-Gap Alimony cannot be modified under Florida law.

Common Alimony Disputes

Alimony can be one of the most contested issues in divorce. Some common disputes include:

• Whether alimony is appropriate

• How much should be paid

• How long payments should last

• Whether one party is underemployed or intentionally unemployed

Our team at McNary Law has extensive experience in both pursuing fair alimony awards and protecting clients from excessive alimony demands.

Alimony and Other Family Law Matters

In many cases, alimony disputes intertwine with other family law issues such as:

• Child Custody and Support: Financial obligations affect overall ability to pay.

• Equitable Distribution: Division of marital assets impacts financial need and ability.

• Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements: These may establish, limit, or waive alimony.

At McNary Law, we offer comprehensive family law services across Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch, ensuring all aspects of your divorce are expertly handled.

Why Choose McNary Law as Your Sarasota Alimony Lawyer?

At McNary Law, we are:

• Compassionate Problem-Solvers: We understand that behind every case is a family’s future.

• Skilled Negotiators and Litigators: Whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy, we fight for your best interests.

• Knowledgeable: We stay updated with the latest alimony laws and strategies to deliver strong, informed representation.

We proudly serve clients in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch across all family law matters, including divorce, child custody, alimony, equitable distribution, modifications, paternity, and more​Service Areas​Practice Areas.

FAQs About Alimony

Q: Is alimony guaranteed in a Florida divorce?
A: No. Alimony must be requested, and the court carefully evaluates many factors before deciding.

Q: How is the amount of alimony calculated?
A: There’s no strict formula; it’s based on financial need and the other party’s ability to pay.

Q: What happens if the paying spouse doesn’t make alimony payments?
A: The receiving spouse can seek court enforcement, potentially leading to wage garnishment, fines, or even jail time.

Q: Can we agree on alimony ourselves?
A: Yes! If both parties agree, the court will usually approve the agreement unless it’s clearly unfair.

Contact a Sarasota Alimony Lawyer Today

If you’re facing an alimony issue — whether pursuing or contesting support — don’t navigate it alone. Our experienced family law team at McNary Law is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help secure your financial future.