Tampa Palimony Attorney

Palimony in Florida

Palimony is a coined term that is used to describe continued support given by one person to another after a non-marital supportive relationship has ended.  In the state of Florida, palimony does not exist – therefore you cannot sue for support after a non-marital relationship has ended in the family courts.

The types of support that are allowed by the family law courts in the state of Florida are based upon a legally recognized marriage.  You can expect to see the following types of post-relationship financial support:

• Temporary Alimony – This is support that is awarded on a temporary basis until a more permanent agreement can be reached between the two parties.
• Permanent Alimony – Awarded in long-term marriages, this is financial support that one spouse must pay to the other indefinitely. This type of alimony can be modified or terminated if the spouse receiving alimony enters into a “supportive relationship” with another person. This is also called “permanent periodic alimony."
• Rehabilitative Alimony – If the disadvantaged spouse needs to take steps to improve his or her income, the court can award this type of alimony to be paid until that spouse is able to support himself or herself successfully.
• Lump Sum Alimony – Permanent alimony can sometimes be awarded in a one-time lump sum.  This term can also refer to the division of property, although this is not technically alimony.
• Transitional Alimony – If a spouse doesn’t qualify for any other type of alimony but simply needs a one-time payment to help that person transition to single life, this type of alimony might be awarded.

Florida – Palimony and Common-Law Marriages

Palimony is not recognized in the state of Florida.  A couple living together in Florida cannot qualify for common-law marriage.