On April 15th Governor Rick Scott VETOED the bill RS 668 calling for Alimony reform. Scott found the bill to have lumped in child custody reform that did not align with the best interest of children. He further went on to explain that he commended the bill efforts on their reform of necessary alimony changes it however put the best interest of parents first as opposed to the children.

“As a husband, father, and grandfather, I understand the importance of family and the sensitivity and passion that comes with the subject of family law,” said Scott in his veto letter. “Family law issues are very personal, and nearly every family comes to the court with different circumstances and needs. As such, we must be judicious and carefully consider the long term and real life repercussions on Florida families.”

The bill passed the Senate 24-14, before clearing the House on a 74-38 vote. The bill would reform current alimony standards limiting them through a court based formula from 25% to 75% of the length of the marriage. The bill would also allow a standard in the court room for equal rights of entering parents and an assumed 50/50 child sharing standard that could be challenged based on the individual situation of the families involved and the judges final decision.

If you’re in need of a qualified and expert family law attorney, contact the law offices if James N Brown PA and speak to Gregory Burdick.