The duration of your marriage is among the factors that matter when deciding if one spouse should provide financial assistance to the other (spousal support) and for how long after a Florida divorce.
Longer marriages generally lead to higher and longer-lasting spousal support awards than shorter ones. This is because one spouse is more likely to have relied on the other financially if they were married for a long time, and they might struggle to become self-sufficient after the divorce.
On the other hand, short marriages typically result in less substantial spousal support. If your marriage lasted only a few years, the court might assume both parties are still capable of maintaining their pre-marriage financial independence. In some cases, no spousal support may be awarded for very short unions.
How long is long?
Under Florida law, a short-term marriage lasts less than 7 years, a moderate-term marriage is one that lasts more than 7 years but less than 17 years, while a long-term marriage is a marriage that lasts 17 years or more. However, the law does not explicitly state the amount and duration of spousal support; it varies on a case-by-case basis.
The judge will consider other aspects beyond the length of your marriage when making spousal support decisions. These include each spouse’s earning capacity and contribution to the marriage, their age and the living standards established during the marriage, among other aspects unique to your situation.
Reaching out for legal guidance can help you navigate such complexities of spousal support in Florida. It will be much easier to protect your interests when you understand your rights and how everything works, whether you’re seeking spousal support or contesting an unreasonable request from your spouse.
