How long is too long (or too short) when it comes to a Florida alimony award?

This is an area where divorce court judges have a great deal of discretion.  Generally speaking, if a marriage is less than 17 years in duration, there is a presumption against the judge ordering permanent alimony, and the judge must explain in the alimony order as to why permanent alimony was ordered.  In marriages less than 7 years, permanent alimony cannot be awarded unless there are written findings demonstrating that “exceptional circumstances” justify the award. 

Furthermore, there are certain limitations on how long the alimony is payable depending on the type of alimony that is awarded.  As an example, an award of durational alimony may not exceed the length of the marriage, an award of bridge the gap alimony may not exceed 2 years, and an award of rehabilitative alimony may not be longer than the time of the rehabilitation plan. 

Whether an alimony award can be appealed based on the duration of the award is a fact intensive analysis that has to be done on a case by case basis.  Those who believe the alimony award was inappropriate should strongly consider consulting with an appellate lawyer who is well versed in the intricacies of divorce and family law.

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