Alimony is used to help one spouse transition into single life. It is not meant to be punitive, although it certainly feels that way to the payor spouse. There are a few different types of alimony and it all depends on the length of the marriage and some other factors. Make no mistake the length of the marriage is the most important factor when determining alimony. Florida Statutes have defined a marriage length as the following:
- Seven years and below is a short term marriage
- Seven years to seventeen years is a medium marriage
- Anything above seventeen years is a long term marriage