Currently, Florida Statute 61.08 reads, “Permanent alimony may be awarded to provide for the needs and necessities of life as they were established during the marriage of the parties for a party who lacks the financial ability to meet his or her needs and necessities of life following a dissolution of marriage.”
Permanent means exactly that, PERMANENT. The obligor ex-spouse pays the ordered alimony until such time the obligee ex-spouse remarries, dies or the judgment is otherwise modified.
Many Florida residents are not all that keen on Florida Statute 61.08, and therefore; are proponents of Bill 549. Bill 549 would rename permanent alimony to long-term alimony and would further have alimony not last beyond 60% of the length of the marriage.
If you’re considering divorce and are concerned about your potential alimony obligation contact a Jacksonville Family Law Lawyer today.