Florida is one of the last states to allow alimony for life but if lawmakers get their way the outdated law will be a thing of the past and rightfully so.
The legislature tried to get rid of lifelong alimony two years ago but when it reached Governor Rick Scott’s desk he vetoed it. He said the changes would eliminate payments to people who are already receiving them and it was not acceptable.This time around the bill does not include that provision. The proposed new law has guidelines that take into consideration the length of the marriage and the both spouses incomes to determine how much alimony spouses should receive and for how they would receive it. Lifetime alimony would no longer be an option. Granted in extreme cases judges could go outside the guidelines as well. As for current alimony payers, they would be allowed to request their payments to be modified.
Governor Scott’s office has not indicated how he would respond if the new bill made it to his desk. His press secretary, Jeri Bustamante has only said:
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Completing this poll grants you access to Shark Tank updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.We haven’t seen the legislation yet, but Governor Scott will review any legislation that makes it to his desk.
In the meantime, a lot of couples in Florida in the process of getting a divorce are holding off to see if the law is passed.
If Florida does pass alimony reform laws they will be following in the footsteps of Massachusetts, New Jersey and Colorado who have since set up guidelines for how long alimony should last.
