Divorce and Alimony: Predetermined Time and Money
During many divorce proceedings, the issue of alimony often arises with one spouse usually fearing a lifetime of checks to their ex because of a higher income earned during the marriage. However, what people don’t realize is that alimony awarded can be for a pre-determined time, instead of only until a former spouse marries or dies. For anyone who finds him/herself facing the possibility of paying alimony, they should contact an experienced divorce lawyer who can explain the different types of alimony and offer advice specific to their situation.
“We typically believe that it’s the man who will pay alimony to his ex-wife after a divorce; however, in today’s workforce, it could just as easily be the wife paying alimony to her ex-husband as she was the person with the higher income during the marriage,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.
Within the state of Florida, there are various forms of alimony including permanent alimony, bridge-the-gap alimony, durational alimony and rehabilitative alimony. While all four are meant to financially assist the person receiving it, they each have a different and limited lifespan based on what they are designed to do for the payee. In order to fully anticipate what may be available to you or expected from you during a divorce, you should speak with a qualified divorce attorney to get a better understanding of what preparations you should make now.
“Because finances are often at the heart of many divorces, it’s best to know what you’re up against from the start. Our clients are always made aware of all the financial possibilities that could become realities for them in the future,” Green said.
Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).
