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While many were focusing on the child custody and time-sharing aspects of this years bill vetoed by Governor Rick Scott, the alimony reformation that many have worked so hard to gain was also vetoed. There are many pressing arguments on both sides of the current way alimony is determined in comparison to how it was being proposed.
The proposed version for alimony reform focuses on floors and ceilings when determining the amount due. Most see this as a fail proof mathematical way to make these determinations. Eliminating any opinion, emotion or further consideration. Family Law Attorneys will know what to expect in court rooms and inform their clients without any guess work. The calculation is based on years married and is approximately 9.5% more for each year married with a ceiling of $5,900 per month and floor of $3700 per month. All this is based on a % of the payor’s income . It is being said that high income earners could pay up to 55% of their net income for those married over 20 years.
In Family Law courts now alimony is at the discretion and determination of the proceeding judge. Many things are taken into consideration including short term verse long term marriages. Mainly what is considered is length or marriage, need and ability to pay.
While many feel that reformation is necessary in Florida, others see this now vetoed bill concerning for those with long term marriages who spent most if not all of their years married caring for the family. Many women are finding themselves unable to retire well into their late ages and forced to continue working. With the reformation this would be even worse as their would be limitations on the duration of the alimony as well as a cap for the receiving spouse if they choose to retire.
Needless to say, the bill has gone back to be re-written and this time the alimony reformation will be separate from child custody and child support reformation. In all cases, either bill knows not to make this retroactive as that is what initially found this bill vetoed back in 2013.