During a divorce, the court can award spousal support. One spouse will pay the other money to help him or her financially. It may occur during or after the divorce process as there are a few different alimony options in Florida.
One specific way the court may set payments is through permanent alimony.
What it is
Permanent alimony is awarded to help one spouse maintain the lifestyle they had during the marriage. The spouse must be unable to do so for him or herself, and the other spouse must be in a financial situation to provide this for the spouse and for him or herself. You will generally have permanent alimony occur in higher net worth situations and in which the marriage lasted for many years.
How it works
Permanent alimony is an option if the court feels no other type of spousal support is appropriate for the situation. It is usually an option in longer marriages, but the judge can award it in a short marriage situation based on the circumstances.
How it ends
You may request an end to permanent alimony if you or the other party has changes in circumstances. For example, a major financial change might be the basis for a modification or termination request. If the person receiving the payment remarries, they might also be grounds to end the award. However, in most situations, the spousal support order remains until one of the parties dies.
Permanent alimony is one option a court may award during a divorce. Usually, judges will not make this type of award unless the other spousal support options are not appropriate for the situation.