The document discusses the factors used to determine alimony in Florida according to Florida law. It examines 13 factors that courts will consider, including the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the financial resources and earning potentials of both parties, contributions to the marriage such as homemaking, the responsibilities for children, tax treatment of alimony, all sources of income, and any other factors required for equity. Courts aim to use these criteria to properly evaluate each case and decide what constitutes a fair alimony award.

1. Alimony in FloridaFactors and Examples Presented by: Steven A. Leitman, P.A. Offices - Jacksonville (904) DIVORCE (348-6723)www.904divorce.com

2. Factors used to determineIncluded herein is the section of the Florida Statutes setting forth the factors used to determine alimony in Florida. In determining a proper award of alimony or maintenance, the court shall consider all relevant economic factors, including but not limited to:The standard of living established during the marriage.

3. The duration of the marriage.

4. The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party.The financial resources of each party, including the non marital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each.

5. The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties and, when applicable, the time necessary for either party to acquire sufficient education or training to enable such party to find appropriate employment.

6. The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other party.The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in common.

7. The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible payment.

8. All sources of income available to either party, including income available to either party through investments of any asset held by that party.

9. Any other factor necessary to do equity and justice between the parties.The standard of living established during the marriageThe analysis with this factor is to determine how the parties lived. What is the value of the marital home, cars, jewelry and possessions? What kind of vacations did the family take? The higher the standard of living, the greater chance of alimony in Florida being awarded. However, the standard of living during the marriage is not so much of a factor in short term marriages.

10. Typically, the longer the marriage the more exposure to alimony being awarded. Permanent alimony in Florida is more likely to be awarded once a marriage exceeds 17 years in length. When permanent alimony is not appropriate, then durational alimony may be awarded.The duration of the marriage

11. A person’s age and health have an impact as to whether alimony in Florida is awarded.If a party is older and in poor health (either physically or emotionally) have a greater probability of being awarded alimony in Florida then a younger, healthier person.The age and the physical and emotional condition of each party

12. The financial resources of each party, including the nonmarital and the marital assets and liabilities distributed to each partyThere are times when a party is not working, however, this factor takes into consideration that the party has the ability to work. An example, would be a stay at home parent who did not finish their college degree. That party may earn $0, but with the completion of their education could find employment and support themself. This is a scenario where rehabilitative alimony in Florida might be considered.

13. The contribution of each party to the marriage, including, but not limited to, services rendered in homemaking, child care, education, and career building of the other partyExamples of this would be the spouse who has stayed home to raise children, the spouse who has relocated to different states to further the career of the other spouse or the spouse who helped the other spouse get through school.

14. The responsibilities each party will have with regard to any minor children they have in commonThis factor can come into play when children are younger or when there is a special needs child who is required to be at therapy or doctor’s appointments.

15. The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award, including the designation of all or a portion of the payment as a nontaxable, nondeductible paymentAlimony in Florida can be taxable or nontaxable. Typically, alimony in Florida is tax deductible to the person paying it and taxable to the party receiving it.