Short-Term vs. Moderate-Term vs. Long-Term Marriages in Florida: How They Affect Alimony

According to Psychology Today, the average divorce occurs 8.2 years after marriage. Depending on your perspective, 8.2 years might sound like an exceedingly long period of time or a mere “blip” in your life. While you might have your own way of defining long-term vs. short-term marriages, Florida’s legal definitions of these terms could be important. This is particularly true if you’re approaching alimony in Orlando.

A Short-Term Marriage Lasts Less Than 10 Years

Although 8.2 years might sound like a long time, it technically falls under the category of a “short-term marriage” under Florida law. This is because all marriages that last less than 10 years are considered short-term by Florida family courts.

According to Florida law, alimony for a short-term marriage cannot exceed 50 percent of the marriage duration. This means that if the average divorce occurs 8.2  years after marriage in Florida, alimony should only last a maximum of 4.1 years. This is still a considerable length of time, and four years of alimony can be particularly costly for high-net-worth spouses.

A Moderate-Term Marriage Lasts Between 10 and 20 Years

Under Florida law, a “moderate-term marriage” lasts between 10 and 20 years. Alimony for a moderate-term marriage cannot exceed 60 percent of the marriage duration. For example, a marriage that lasts 15 years can only lead to nine years of alimony under Florida law. As a result, spouses emerging from moderate-term marriages may face burdensome alimony obligations.

A Long-Term Marriage Lasts Longer Than 20 Years

Under Florida law, a long-term marriage lasts longer than 20 years. Alimony for a long-term marriage cannot exceed 75 percent of the marriage duration. For example, a marriage lasting 30 years would lead to a maximum of 20 years of alimony. Spouses emerging from long-term marriages face crushing financial obligations under Florida’s alimony laws.

Permanent Alimony Is Not Allowed Under Florida Law 

Under no circumstances should you ever have to pay alimony for the rest of your life. Florida has explicitly banned permanent alimony, even for long-term marriages. However, one might argue that there is not much of a distinction between permanent alimony and 20 years of alimony after a long-term marriage.

The “saving grace” in this situation is retirement. Even if you face a multi-decade alimony commitment, you should be able to stop these payments once you retire. For example, you might retire at 50 and face 20 years of alimony after a 30-year marriage. However, you should be able to eliminate your alimony after 15 years (or earlier), when you reach retirement age.

Can an Orlando Alimony Lawyer Help Me?

Whether you’re emerging from a short-term, moderate-term, or long-term marriage, an alimony lawyer in Orlando can help you strive for the most positive financial outcomes. Florida’s recent changes to its alimony laws state that alimony depends on how long your marriage was. However, there is also some flexibility, especially when it comes to modifying your alimony agreement in the future. Learn more by contacting Steve Marsee, P.A.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html

psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/202304/why-so-many-marriages-end-after-8-years