Proposed Alimony Changes in Florida Would Dramatically Conform Divorce Law

The debate over used alimony laws in Florida that would drastically change the Divorce scenery is heating up before the nation's lawmakers begins the 2012 pitch.

Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Maxwell analyzed the planned Florida House and Senate bills in a mid-November article claiming the bill would benefit "... wealthy men who cheat on their wives. "

A pro-reform group labeled Florida Alimony Reform claims the sunshine State's laws are draconian and out-of-touch with culture. According to the social group's website, "Because of [antiquated] laws and regulations attitudes, it is clear-cut for healthy, employed women in their 30s and 40s with regard to permanent alimony. "

Versions of the bill were introduced bya State Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla of Miami and state Rep. Ritch Workman granted Brevard County, both Republicans. Maxwell pointed out in his column that Workman the invention the bill only week or so after his own Divorce started to be final.

The proposed law would dramatically affect separation and divorce. HB 549 and SB 748 both have provisions that limit alimony's duration in order function of the length of the marriage. "Lifetime alimony" is a sticking point among proponents of change. The new law may end alimony upon reaching retirement age and cap alimony at 20 percent of that payer's income.

Workman admitted in Maxwell's column that the cap would likely be removed. Some have called it unconstitutional.

The proposed law allows people currently paying alimony to petition the court to modify their agreement according to the new law and would prohibit the aid of a payer's new spouse's income included in a judgment.

Workman told Maxwell the Florida proposal originates from and modeled after sweeping reforms passed in the Massachusetts Legislature this experience summer. The highlight of over a Massachusetts law is limits to the length of time alimony must be paid back. But now Divorced spouses in Massachusetts might have their payments ended the judge if they shift with another partner even if they do not get remarried.

The Massachusetts law also has inspired proposed legislation in Florida. News outlets including ABC News and the Huffington Post are covering the trend of state alimony reform.

If the Florida bill was to pass with the amount that allows courts to look at previously decided judgments, it opens the doors for many cases to get a fresh look.

Workman told Maxwell he has already reconsidered some areas of the bill. The Ca Legislature begins its 2012 discussion Jan. 10.

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