Members of Floridas
Alimony Reform group recently testified before a subcommittee of the House Civil Justice Committee regarding the incredible hardships they have been forced to endure in order to make lifetime alimony payments. Florida law currently allows for lifetime
alimony that never ends, even when the payee retires or becomes disabled. The bill made it out of committee and will now be considered by the House. A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate.
The primary changes to
alimony law in the state of Florida that the bill would bring, if passed, include specific rules to guide judges in determining the amount and duration of
alimony payments, revision of cohabitation standards, and an option for current alimony payers to modify their requirements based on the new law. Many supporters also claim that it will strengthen marriage in the state as the new law will no longer encourage cohabitation over marriage as the current alimony laws seem to do.
It would appear that most lawmakers and family law attorneys are in favor of the bill. Even a local
Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney who is concerned about the laws impact on homemakers who truly need
alimony payments in order to survive, agreed that the states laws regarding alimony need to be amended to reflect the changing lifestyles and needs of the times. Still, the
attorney has argued that the new law may be too drastic.
Regardless of lawmakers or lawyers opinions about the bill currently before the legislature, one thing is clear: the setting of and payment of
alimony can be a cause of contention in divorce settlements. Neither lawmakers nor judges want to see anyone left destitute because a spouse filed for divorce. On the other hand, neither do they want to send the paying spouse to the poorhouse with an
alimony settlement that lasts a lifetime or doesnt take into account a receiving spouses change in circumstances, such as cohabitating with a new romantic partner.
Because alimony can be such a tricky and contentious issue, anyone who is seeking a divorce needs the advice and expertise offered by an experienced
alimony attorney. A
Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney can help couples reach a settlement that is agreeable to both spouses long before the case needs to go before a judge who will decide for them. In addition, the
alimony attorney understands how to arrange such agreements so that they will hold up in a court should either spouse ever challenge the legitimacy of the settlement.
If you are in the
Fort Lauderdale area and need assistance in developing an
alimony agreement between you and your spouse, contact a
Fort Lauderdale alimony attorney today so that a fair settlement can be reached.
