In 2011, an amendment to the section of the Florida statutes that deals with permanent alimony was clarified with regard to length of the marriage. Upon consideration of the statutory factors, a court may award permanent alimony in a long term marriage “if such an award is appropriate.” After consideration of the statutory factors in a marriage of moderate duration, permanent alimony may be awarded if it is appropriate “based upon clear and convincing evidence.” Finally, in a short term marriage, after considering the statutory factors, a judge may award permanent alimony only upon “written findings of exceptional circumstances.”
A long term marriage is considered a marriage of 17 years or longer. A marriage is considered of moderate duration when it was greater than 7 years but less than 17 years. A short term marriage is on that lasted less than 7 years.
Alimony is one of many complicated issues in Orlando family law. When you are facing a divorce, make sure you choose an attorney who understands all the issues in your case. Many attorneys practice in a variety of areas but have no solid understanding of any one of them. Attorney Wade P. Luther has limited his practice solely to the area of family law. He has spent the last decade helping families with their divorce, paternity, child support, child custody and other family law matters.
To schedule an initial consultation with Mr. Luther, contact Family Law of Orlando by email or by calling (407) 835-9900.