The court first finds need and ability to pay, then works the statutory factors: marriage length, standard of living, ages and health, incomes and earning capacities, contributions to the marriage, and more.
Marriage length matters structurally: the statute classifies short, moderate, and long-term marriages and caps durational alimony accordingly.
Alimony can be modified or terminated on substantial change — including retirement and supportive relationships — under § 61.14. Silence about alimony in a settlement is not the same as a clean waiver; state a position.
Attorney-review note: Alimony is factor-driven, not formulaic — attorney review is recommended before proposing or accepting terms.