Who must pay alimony? How is the amount determined in Florida?
Answer: Well, generally alimony is not required in a large number of cases because a marriage under seven years duration does not raise a presumption that alimony should be paid. There are several kinds of alimony: there’s permanent alimony, durational alimony, bridge the gap alimony, rehabilitative alimony and a combination of all of them, a lump sum amount which can be ordered. The most important factor, however, in determining who is going to pay alimony is whether a party has an actual need for the alimony or maintenance, and whether either party has the ability to pay it. And if the court determines the need and the ability, the court looks at a number of factors to determine the proper type and the amount of alimony.
