Proposed state law would change alimony, custody decisions

On behalf of Furr & Cohen, P.A. posted in Family Law on Friday, November 13, 2015.

Many Floridians and people across the country say that they have no interest in politics. However, decisions made on the local, state and national levels by the people elected to office can have a significant impact on our lives, for better or worse.

A case in point is a bill involving alimony that has been in the Florida legislature several times in recent legislative sessions, but has thus far failed to pass. Now it is slated to be reintroduced next year.

Groups including the National Organization for Women and the Florida League of Women Voters have opposed the bill. A group called UniteWomen.org is already urging Florida Gov. Rick Scott to veto the bill, which would end permanent alimony, if it passes and gets to his desk. A spokesperson for the group says that the bill “presents a one-sided and indefensible refuge for men seeking to punish or abandon the women they married and the children of the marriage in a divorce.”

The latest bill, sponsored by Republican State Senator Tom Lee of Brandon, involves more than changes in how alimony is calculated. It also addresses issues of child visitation and custody. UniteWomen.org contends that the proposed legislation in its various iterations represents the biggest change to family law in Florida history. State laws involving divorce, alimony, custody and other family law issues are always subject to change. That’s why it’s essential to have a Florida family law attorney who knows the current laws and can help you fight for what you need for yourself and your children in a divorce.

Source: SaintPetersBlog, “Women’s group calls on Rick Scott to reject Tom Lee’s proposed alimony bill,” Mitch Perry, Oct. 26, 2015