What is Bridge-The-Gap Alimony and What are its Benefits?
Alimony, often referred to as spousal support, is the financial award made from one spouse to another during and or following a divorce. There are several kinds of alimony, and the particulars of each type may vary from state to state. This article will focus on Bridge-the-Gap alimony in Florida.
In Florida, there are six types of alimony, temporary, permanent, lump-sum, durational, rehabilitative, and bridge-the-gap. The awarding of each type has guidelines as to why the award would be made, how much the award is, how long the award is for, and how will the paying party be able to pay. A couple can decide for themselves in a pre or post-nuptial (except for temporary alimony) or successful mediation how alimony will be handled. If a divorce case goes to court, the judge will decide if there will be alimony and, if so, what type.
Bridge-the-gap alimony is designed for a party who needs extra financial help to make the transition from being married to becoming single. This type of alimony is meant to take into account the lifestyle and social standing of a party before a divorce and how a divorce will impact them. Usually, this type of alimony is needed for a woman, but men can also be awarded this type of help. The award of bridge-the-gap alimony is for two years only and cannot be modified later in either amount or length of time. If either party dies, the alimony ends. Should the recipient remarry or enter into a cohabitating living arrangement with a non-relative bridge-the-gap, alimony ends immediately.
To give you a better idea of how bridge-the-gap alimony might work, here is an example. The couple has been married for l5 years and has lived in a high-priced neighborhood with a very active social life. They are used to nice clothes, new cars, and frequently eating out. While the husband is a dentist, the wife is a teacher. As both parties will be supporting themselves following the divorce, it is very obvious a teacher cannot continue the lifestyle the couple is used to on her salary while it is very likely the dentist can. Once the home is sold and proceeds divided, there will still be a big difference in what each party can afford. Additionally, new cars, clothes, and extras will be almost impossible for the wife. It will also be difficult for the wife to afford to live in an upscale neighborhood, so much of her social life may suffer. An award of bridge-the-gap alimony will help the wife adjust to her new single status. Obviously, she will have to make some adjustments downward, but she will have two years to work it out before she is entirely on her own financially.
If you are planning a Florida divorce, you will likely be choosing a Family Law attorney to represent you. When you go for your initial consultation, be sure to put alimony on your list of concerns if you think you should be awarded some or feel you will likely be ordered to pay. An attorney well versed in divorce law will be able to advise you on what type of alimony you might be entitled to and help you develop the proof you need to take to mediation or, if necessary, to court.
