What is the definition of Temporary Support?
Temporary support is money one spouse pays the other while a divorce case is pending, before the final judgment. It includes temporary alimony and temporary child support. Florida courts award it under Florida Statute 61.091.
How Temporary Support Works in Florida
Either spouse may request it by motion as soon as the case is filed. The court weighs the requesting spouse’s need against the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Orders can be retroactive to the filing date and automatically end when the final judgment is entered.
Temporary Alimony vs. Temporary Child Support
- Temporary alimony, also called alimony pendente lite, supports a spouse during the case.
- Temporary child support follows the state guidelines, based on both parents’ incomes and the current time-sharing arrangement. See the child support guidelines entry.
How to Request It
The requesting spouse files a motion supported by a financial affidavit. The court usually holds a short hearing on the paperwork. Hillsborough County follows the same statewide rules, and incomplete affidavits are the usual reason requests get delayed.
Why It Exists
The temporary support definition matters because divorce cases take months. Without interim orders, a dependent spouse or the children can fall behind on housing, food, and insurance while the case proceeds. Temporary support preserves the status quo until the court divides everything permanently.
Related Terms
- Alimony Pendente Lite
- Child Support Guidelines
- Temporary Injunction
- Durational Alimony
- Rehabilitative Alimony
Need Temporary Support in Tampa?
To see how interim support and alimony requests are handled, visit our Tampa alimony attorney page, or call Mindi Lasley, P.A. at (813) 873-9047.