The calendar tells one story, but the finances tell another. In a long marriage, both deserve attention when divorce is on the horizon. If you are going through a gray divorce or considering one, it is crucial to understand that alimony is not a switch flipped by time alone.
What are the four types of alimony?
Florida courts use only four types of alimony:
- Temporary: Short‑term support while the case is pending. Ends when the case ends.
- Bridge‑the‑gap: Up to two years to cover specific, short‑term needs as you transition to single life (for example, deposits and moving costs). Once set, it cannot be changed.
- Rehabilitative: Support tied to a written plan to rebuild skills or education. Lasts up to five years and can be modified if the plan changes or is completed.
- Durational: Time‑limited support based on the length of the marriage. The amount is capped at the recipient’s reasonable need or 35% of the difference in the parties’ net incomes, whichever is lower.
Since July 1, 2023, permanent alimony is no longer an option in Florida.
How long can durational alimony last?
The length of your marriage can directly affect how long durational alimony can last. Any marriage lasting 20 years or more generally counts as long-term.
For long-term marriages, support can stretch up to 75% of the marriage length. Moderate-term marriages (10 to 20 years) max out at 60%, while short-term marriages (under 10 years) are capped at 50%.
Courts also limit the payment amount to whichever is less: the recipient’s reasonable need or 35% of the income gap between spouses. If your marriage lasted less than three years, durational alimony is typically not an option.
A possibility, not a promise
When a judge considers alimony, they often start with two basic questions: does one spouse genuinely need financial help, and can the other spouse afford to provide it?
From there, the court will examine a range of circumstances that paint a fuller picture of the marriage and each spouse’s situation. This includes considering both spouses’ ages and health conditions, their respective incomes and assets and the standard of living established during the marriage. Even adultery can influence how much support the court awards.
When a long-term marriage ends, the likelihood of a judge awarding alimony increases, but there is still no guarantee.
Protecting your financial future
The length of your marriage can open the door to alimony consideration, but it does not warrant any particular outcome. Getting the assessments right matters immensely when you are planning for retirement and the years ahead. An experienced divorce attorney can help you document your contributions and articulate your needs in ways that resonate with the court.