Alimony
is a legal obligation on one person to provide financial support to
their (former) spouse after marital separation or divorce. Typically in
the past this referred to a man continuing to support the woman.
However, in recent times this is changing. In America there is now a
greater push towards gender equality in alimony cases. In today’s times
it is more possible that the man may be entitled to receive alimony
funds from the woman.
Florida
legislation came very close to passing a reform bill that would have
ended permanent alimony. Many are shocked that Governor Rick Scott, who
was the final link in the bill’s passage, vetoed the bill in early May.
Had it passed, Florida would have been the fifth state to end permanent
alimony. However, supporters of the bill say the battle is far from
over and we can expect to see more debate on this issue in the future.
The
bill raised controversy especially among female lawmakers. The concern
was that people, predominantly women, who have been receiving long term
alimony would see this income rescinded if the bill would have passed.
These criticisms were met with little sympathy by House bill sponsor
Ritch Workman who stated, “I am not interested in protecting women any
more than men in this bill. This is a gender neutral bill.” Yet the bill
was disputed to be largely male driven as it is typically men who are
not big fans of alimony.
It seemed as if the bill would pass and many are surprised at Governor Scott’s stance. In his veto letter he stated his reasons:
Because
the subject matter of this bill involves family relationships, numerous
Floridians have forcefully expressed their views on the topic. Many
Florida families have been impacted by the difficulties of marital
issues, both concerning children and starting over. As a husband,
father and grandfather, I understand the vital importance of family. In
weighing the issues associated with this bill, however, I have
concluded that I cannot support this legislation because it applies
retroactively and thus tampers with the settled economic expectations of
many Floridians who have experienced divorce.
Folks
who support the bill say it is unfair for people to continue paying an
order that ties them to their ex-spouse for the rest of their life, even
during retirement. But those who are against the bill say this
legislation is anti-family and anti-women because it punishes women who
stay home to support their children. Now they will have no choice but to
join the workforce.
Proponents
of the bill said it is impossible to maintain the same standard of
living as before because one income now must be split between two
households. Often times men who pay alimony find this situation puts
them at a big disadvantage as they try to move on with their life, or
need to support aging parents as the years go by.
Lately
I’ve been working with a lot of divorce cases. I prepare you by letting
you know in most cases you WILL have to pay alimony, the question is
how much and for how long? But I will do everything I can to minimize
your exposure. I will continue to follow this issue and keep you
informed if and when another bill is presented, which is most likely at
some point. If you are facing a divorce please call my office today.
You need someone on your side to ensure your best interests are
protected. 904-241-0012 or http://www.jacksonvillebeachlawyer.com/lawyer-in-jacksonville-beach-florida.html
