The Differences Between Child Support and Alimony in Orlando

Child support and alimony are similar in Orlando, and they serve the same basic roles. Both involve payments from one spouse to another, and they both provide financial stability for those who may encounter economic challenges after divorce. Aside from these basic similarities, however, child support and alimony are distinct in many ways. Spouses may wish to review these similarities and differences with experienced alimony attorneys in Orlando.

Child Support Has the Potential to Last Much Longer

The maximum duration for child support is effectively 18 years. This is assuming that parents divorce or break up immediately after their child’s birth, which is not altogether uncommon. In this situation, the paying spouse can continue to pay child support until the child reaches the age of 18. Child support could even continue past the age of 18 if the child does not graduate from high school.

In contrast, alimony typically ends much faster in Florida. This is in part thanks to a new set of laws that went into effect fairly recently. These laws state that permanent alimony is impossible in Florida. Furthermore, shorter terms of alimony are now much more common, with “rehabilitative alimony” becoming the norm. This type of alimony usually only lasts about five years, and it exists solely to help the recipient spouse get back on their feet. Once the spouse becomes financially self-sufficient, alimony is no longer necessary.

There Is No Oversight for Child Support

Another distinction has to do with the level of oversight associated with both forms of support. There is virtually no oversight associated with child support. The recipient parent is free to spend this money any way they like. If they spend the money on irresponsible or discretionary purchases, they will likely avoid consequences. This is because the family court does not oversee how a recipient parent is spending this cash. The only way they might experience consequences is if the child begins to suffer obvious signs of neglect, such as malnutrition or shabby clothing.

In contrast, alimony may be associated with significant oversight. This is particularly true in the context of rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony involves a plan submitted to the court by the recipient spouse. In order to continue receiving payments, the spouse must follow this plan closely. This often involves attending class, finishing degrees, earning credentials, and so on. If the spouse deviates from the plan or fails to reach certain milestones, alimony may end early.

Can an Orlando Alimony Attorney Help Me? 

An Orlando alimony attorney may be able to help you understand how this process works in Florida. Recent changes have transformed alimony in new ways, and you should understand these changes as you approach divorce. The truth is that alimony is now much less burdensome than child support in many divorces. Contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today to learn more.

Sources:

 childsupport.floridarevenue.com/

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