When you hear someone mention alimony, you may think of it in its simplest terms — as a legal obligation for one person to regularly give a former husband or wife financial support after divorce. But did you know that there are actually several different types of alimony? In Florida, there are six kinds. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Temporary Alimony

Imagine a scenario where two people separate and initiate a divorce but the divorce case itself is pending. How do the bills get paid? This is where temporary alimony comes in. It’s court-ordered support during separation.

Bridge the Gap Alimony

Bridge the gap alimony is a temporary form of spousal support that isn’t to exceed two years. Its purpose is to help the lower-earning person transition from married life to single life.

Lump Sum Alimony

Did you know that spousal support isn’t always a monthly or yearly payment given to the dependent ex-spouse? In Florida, alimony can also take the form of a one-time, “lump sum” payment. It’s often referred to as a buyout. 

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is a temporary payment designed to give the recipient more opportunity — through education, skills, and credentials, for example — to reach economic independence.

Durational Alimony

Because this is a newer type of spousal support in Florida, “What is durational alimony?” is a fairly common question. It provides temporary financial assistance — lasting no longer than the marriage itself did — in circumstances where permanent alimony isn’t appropriate. It’s useful in certain situations when the marriage was short in its duration.

Permanent Periodic Alimony

Finally, permanent periodic alimony is spousal support that is paid until one of the people involved dies or the recipient gets remarried.

Different types of alimony are useful in different situations. What works for you will depend on your unique factors.