Whether you are trying to decide if ending your marriage is the right decision or you are currently working through the divorce process, it is important to go over various issues. Divorce can have a significant impact on many facets of your life, such as your relationship with your children and your property. You should review various financial issues, especially if you expect to owe alimony (also known as spousal support).

Courts take many different factors into consideration when awarding alimony, and having a clear understanding of these factors is pivotal.

What does the court review when awarding alimony?

The Florida Legislature goes over some of the different factors that courts examine when deciding whether alimony is necessary and awarding alimony. Courts look at each party’s circumstances, and whether each party needs alimony or is able to make payments. When awarding alimony, courts go over the length of a marriage, a couple’s living standards, the age and well-being of each party and their financial resources.

Additionally, courts look at the earning abilities of each party, their level of education and the contributions they made over the course of the marriage.

How long do alimony payments last?

Sometimes, courts award alimony on a short-term basis. For example, bridge-the-gap alimony payments last for two years. In other instances, courts may decide to award permanent alimony. However, alimony payments end if either party passes away, or if the person receiving payments gets married to someone else.

It is imperative to have a clear understanding of your options and take the right approach to your divorce if you expect to pay or receive alimony.