What Is a Moderate-Length Marriage?

The length of a marriage is one of the factors considered when it comes to crafting a fair divorce settlement. How long the couple was married plays a major role in decisions surrounding alimony, property division, and financial support.

For those divorcing, understanding whether your union is considered short-term, moderate-length, or long-term can help you prepare for what to expect. A knowledgeable West Palm Beach family attorney can evaluate your unique situation and help ensure that your future is protected during and after the divorce process.

Short, Moderate, and Long Timeframes

Florida law categorizes marriages into three general lengths:

• Short-term marriage. A short-term union is one that lasts fewer than 7 years.
• Moderate-length marriage. When a couple is together between 7 and 17 years, it is considered a marriage of moderate duration.
• Long-term marriage. When a couple is married for 17 years or more, it is a long-term marriage.

These classifications are outlined in state statutes, which govern alimony. While these are not rigid rules, they give judges a framework when making decisions related to spousal support and equitable distribution.

A moderate-length marriage, one that lasts between 7 and 17 years, sits in a legal gray area. It’s long enough that significant financial interdependence may have developed, but not long enough for courts to assume long-term spousal support is appropriate without deeper analysis.

For example, if a couple was married for 12 years and one spouse gave up career opportunities to raise children, the court may find that some form of durational alimony is appropriate. This type of alimony can help one spouse transition to financial independence but won’t continue for a long period of time, like it might following a long-term marriage.

Courts may also consider whether one spouse needs time to re-enter the workforce or complete education that was delayed during the marriage. On the other hand, if both spouses are self-supporting and the marriage didn’t involve significant financial sacrifice by either party, the court may decide that no alimony is necessary, even in a moderate-length marriage.

Other Considerations Come Into Play

Aside from alimony, the length of the marriage can affect:

• Equitable distribution of assets. A moderate-length marriage typically involves more shared property than a short-term one. Courts will consider whether both spouses contributed to acquiring marital assets like real estate, retirement accounts, or businesses.
• Health and age of the spouses. These factors, when combined with marriage length, can influence financial rulings.
• Parenting and custody issues. If children were raised during a moderate-length marriage, child support and custody agreements will also be a focus of divorce proceedings.

If your marriage falls within the range between short and long term, it’s essential to understand your rights and obligations under Florida law. A West Palm Beach family attorney can help you navigate questions about alimony, asset division, and post-divorce support.

Considering divorce after 10 years of marriage? Have a conversation with the legal team at Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates. The classification of your marriage as one of moderate-length can open the door to various outcomes, some beneficial, others potentially burdensome. Schedule your confidential consultation today.