For the first time since 2013, the Florida legislature is considering a bill that would change how the state awards alimony. A 2013 bill that was approved by the state legislature resulted in many people calling on the governor to cancel it. Ultimately, it was vetoed and never became law. A bill that is being considered in 2015 would end permanent alimony and add a presumption that child custody should be shared equally by parents.
The sponsor of the newest bill claimed that it would result in less legal action that can take an economic and emotional toll on citizens. Another component of the bill would create a formula that would decide how much alimony a spouse could get. At most, an individual would be eligible to receive 55 percent of the yearly income of the person making the payments.
Additionally, the length of those payments would be capped at 25 percent to 75 percent of the length of the marriage. This is seen as an easy way to settle a divorce and allow both parties to move on. However, judges would be able to create rulings outside of these limits if conditions warranted such a decision being made. Unlike the bill proposed in 2013, this bill would not apply to any cases settled before it is passed.
In the event that one spouse would not be able to provide for him or herself after a divorce, it may be possible to ask for and receive alimony. Alimony payments may be used to help pay the living expenses of a spouse or help him or her life a lifestyle similar to the one enjoyed during the marriage. A lawyer may be able to help anyone get alimony as well as anything else that may be provided for by law.
