Florida Alimony Bill Vetoed

Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that has been debated for months. The bill, SB 1796, would have done away with permanent alimony in the state of Florida and would have been able to impact divorce agreements retroactively. In the veto letter, Gov. DeSantis cited this reason; the retroactive impact on pre-existing marriage settlement agreements.

Many organizations welcomed the veto as a change to existing agreements could have seismic shifts on families and could lead to bitter battles for custody and put the wellbeing of the children in danger. But, of course, proponents on the other side believe that SB 1796 would have created predictability for families navigating the process and reduced heated, litigious disputes.

SB1796 contained language that would have put a presumption of 50/50 custody for underage children in place. It also would have removed adultery as an alimony consideration and set a financial limit that would work to prevent a person losing permanent alimony from falling into a federally distinguished poverty level.

Who Is Eligible for Permanent Alimony?

Typically, the length of your marriage, and the financial resources of yourself and your spouse, will determine if you are eligible for short-term alimony or permanent alimony. Generally, marriages are qualified as short term or longer with the use of the following timelines:

• Short-term marriage. A union that has lasted less than seven years.
• Moderate-term marriage. Marriages that last from seven years to 17 years.
• Long-term marriage. A union lasting longer than 17 years.

Alimony consideration includes the income of each spouse, the length of the marriage, and the standards of living the individuals involved have been experiencing, including the health of each spouse. Additionally, a judge may weigh contributions made by each spouse to support the family throughout the marriage.

Can Alimony Payments Be Changed?

Yes, modifications to alimony payments are possible, but there has to have been a substantial change in the conditions of one or both individuals. Talk to an experienced Orlando divorce lawyer if you are seeking an increase or decrease modification. There may be a path to modify a permanent alimony arrangement, even after the latest veto of SB1796.

Whether you are seeking alimony or have been paying alimony and believe you should not be responsible for making further payments, a lawyer will listen to your concerns and share with you the best path forward under current Florida law.

Are you curious about changes in Florida laws and how they could impact your past or future divorce? Connect with a skilled attorney to have all your separation and divorce questions answered by a legal professional. The knowledgeable family attorneys at the Donna Hung Law Group understand the ins and outs of Florida family law. Our attorneys will carefully listen to your concerns and what objectives you have for your future. Then, we can strategize a path forward and provide you with next steps. When you are ready to get started, call us at 407-999-0099 or contact us online to schedule an initial evaluation.