Understanding alimony: Short-term awards
In many divorce cases, a judge may determine that a party has a clearly established need for continued monetary support, but only for a set period of time after a marriage is dissolved. Insituations where the length of the marriage, the assets of both parties or other relevant factors render a permanent alimony award inappropriate, a Miami divorce lawyer may seek a short-term form of support for their client.
The two primary forms of short-term alimony are bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative awards. One of the main differences between these forms of alimony is the purpose they are intended to serve.
Bridge-the-gap alimony, as this blog has mentioned, is awarded to cover the financial aspects of establishing a new life outside of marriage. The party seeking bridge-the-gap alimony does not have to supply exact details about how these funds will be used, but a claimant can’t modify the agreed upon amount, or extend its duration later on in the proceeding.
By comparison, rehabilitative alimony is geared toward employability, and may be awarded to fund the education, work experience or other professional training a party requires to become self-sufficient. Unlike bridge-the-gap alimony, a party seeking rehabilitative payments must submit a detailed plan of action that lists the courses they intend to take, their cost and the timeframe during which they’ll need fiscal support. Rehabilitative alimonymay be limited to a period of time or the length of a program. It can be modified or challenged based on how well a party adheres to their plan, or if they complete it and no longer require spousal support.
Whether you are disputing an alimony claim or petitioning for continued maintenance, an able and attentive Miami family lawyer is an invaluable asset in any divorce proceeding. Scott A. Ferris Esq. has ample experience fighting for and disputing alimony awards, and will work tirelessly on your behalf.
This article is part of an ongoing series on alimony law.