Proposed Changes to the Alimony Bill in 2017
Florida’s alimony laws are always undergoing changes and modifications, most likely in order to catch up with the times. For a long time, Florida’s alimony laws were outdated, and heavily favored women. However, Florida has come a long ways in recent years, and tries to make alimony support awards as fair and reasonable as possible. As 2017 progresses onward, the state’s lawmakers propose more changes to the alimony bill. At the Law Offices of Schwartz | White, our Boca Raton family lawyers make it a point to keep up-to-date with all of Florida’s changing laws so that we can advise our clients on what to expect in regards to alimony support payments in 2017.
Changes to the Alimony Bill to Look Forward to in 2017
Though these changes are still in the works, here are some changes to the Florida alimony bill to look out for in 2017:
- Alimony Guidelines: As of right now, alimony is determined by a number of miscellaneous factors that the judge decides are important. This can be anything from a person’s current health status to what type of luxuries they enjoyed while they were married. The new bill proposes a more streamlined and predictable formula for calculating alimony.
- Calculating Income: As of right now, if one spouse does not work, the judge does not question their employment status – they simply assume that he or she assumed the role of homemaker in the relationship. However, the new bill proposes that the judge look more closely at a person’s reasoning for not working. Are they avoiding working so that they can receive alimony, or are they not working up to their potential? This provision will make it more fair to potential alimony payers both when the initial order is given and during modification cases.
- Duration of Alimony: Currently, a person can modify the duration that they are to pay/receive alimony. However, the new bill proposes to prohibit the modification of duration, which could help individuals on both sides of the issue.
- Maximum Combined Award: The new bill proposes to limit the amount of child support and alimony that a person has to pay to just 55 percent of their net income. This will greatly help out individuals who are charged with paying both.
- New Spouses Post Divorce: As of right now, alimony recipients are allowed to go after their former spouse’s new spouse’s income as well. The new bill proposes a change to that rule, and will make sure that all new spouses’ incomes and assets are off limits.
- Retirement: Under the new bill, retirement will be a valid reason to request modification of alimony payments. If passed, the new law would make it easier for alimony payers to retire.
Read all the proposed changes to SB412 here.
Consult a Boca Raton Alimony Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Schwartz | White, our Boca Raton alimony and spousal support attorneys will help you better understand the proposed changes to Florida’s alimony laws so that you may better prepare financially post divorce. Whether you are going through a divorce, or would like to have your alimony modified, our attorneys are here to guide you through the process and reach an outcome that is fair and reasonable. To schedule a private consultation with an alimony lawyer today, call 561-391-9943 or go online.
Resource:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2017/0412/BillText/Filed/PDF
