In Florida, alimony may be awarded as part of a dissolution decree when one spouse has a need for financial assistance and the other spouse has the ability to pay the alimony.

Unlike child support, there is no mathematical formula to calculate alimony. A judge will determine the amount and type of alimony to be awarded based upon the unique facts of each case.

This is not to say that a judge’s discretion will not be guided. Florida Statutes, s. 61.08, directs a court to consider:

• The standard of living established during the marriage;
• The length of the marriage;
• The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party;
• The financial resources of each party;
• The time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment;
• The contribution of each party to the marriage (e.g., services rendered in homemaking, and child care);
• All sources of income to either party; and
• Any other factor to do equity and justice between the parties.

If you have a question about divorce or dissolution of your marriage, you should feel free to call Kurt Lee at 941.364.2447 or email Kurt at klee @ kirkpinkerton. com (spaces should be removed).