FL H0277

Allows courts to award multiple types of alimony simultaneously or in combination: bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent alimony.

Bridge-the-gap alimony limited to 2 years maximum to assist transition from married to single status and is non-modifiable in amount or duration.

Rehabilitative alimony requires a specific rehabilitative plan and may be modified or terminated based on substantial change in circumstances, noncompliance with plan, or plan completion.

Durational alimony provides economic assistance for a set period following short or moderate duration marriages; amount may be modified but length cannot be modified except under exceptional circumstances.

Permanent alimony available after long marriages, moderate marriages if appropriate under statutory factors, or short marriages with exceptional circumstances; modifiable based on substantial change in circumstances or supportive relationship.

Courts must make factual determinations of actual need for alimony and ability to pay before awarding, and must consider factors including standard of living, marriage duration, age, physical/emotional condition, financial resources, earning capacity, tax consequences, and child support responsibilities.