Pendente Lite Support
Pendente lite support is temporary financial help one spouse pays the other while a Florida divorce is still pending—before the final judgment. It can cover spousal support, child support, attorney's fees, or other needs so neither spouse is left without resources during the case. A judge sets it after a motion and hearing, and it lasts only until the divorce is finalized or the court changes it.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
Latin for "pending the litigation," pendente lite relief is temporary support and fees a Florida court awards under its authority to maintain the status quo during a dissolution proceeding, authorized in part by F.S. §61.071 (temporary alimony) and F.S. §61.16 (attorney's fees).
Example
Because the higher-earning spouse controlled the joint accounts, the court ordered pendente lite support to cover bills until the divorce was final.
Related Statutes
- 61.071
- 61.16
Related Terms
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