Divorce is challenging at best, and financial stability is often a significant concern. Alimony, or spousal support, can help to fill financial gaps, but more and more eligible people are saying no to post-divorce spousal support.
Regardless of why you may want to pass on alimony, it is essential to weigh your current and future financial possibilities first. Here are some compelling reasons not to decline it without careful consideration.
Financial security and stability
Alimony provides vital financial support, especially if one spouse has been dependent on the other during the marriage. You may want to pay your own way after the divorce but do not do so at the risk of compromising your economic security.
Recognition for sacrifices made
If you sacrificed a career or education to support the family or your spouse, alimony can help compensate you for your sacrifices. It recognizes your marital contributions and helps you become more self-sufficient in the long run.
Balancing financial disparity
Divorce sometimes results in a significant financial disparity between the spouses. Alimony helps to balance this disparity by providing financial assistance to the lower-earning spouse. It can be crucial in maintaining an equitable standard of living for both parties.
Types of alimony
In Florida, there are four types of alimony:
- Temporary: Support during the divorce process.
- Bridge-the-gap: Short-term payments for transitioning to single life.
- Rehabilitative: Support for gaining education or skills to become self-sufficient.
- Durational: Financial maintenance for a set period, typically not exceeding the length of the marriage.
You can receive alimony either as a lump-sum payment, where the entire amount is paid at once, or through periodic payments – usually monthly
If you decide to pursue spousal support, sound legal guidance can improve your chances of success.