Alimony was the subject of heated controversy last year in Florida after Governor Rick Scott vetoed an alimony reform bill sent to him for signature. At issue in the 2016 alimony bill was a clause in the bill concerning mandatory 50/50 time sharing of children. Advocates for both sides of the issue fought long and hard over the bill and there is no reason to think a new bill will be any less controversial or incite less argument. It appears likely that a new reform bill will be introduced in … [Read more...]
Alimony in Florida-How It’s Calculated and Who Pays
Florida alimony decisions are multi-faceted and there is no hard and fast calculation that can be used in all situations. Florida judges have wide discretion as to whom receives alimony payments, the length of those payments, the alimony amount, and the duration of the alimony. Usually, in divorce cases involving issues of alimony, the court will consider that couple's standard of living during the marriage as well as the need and ability to pay alimony once the former spouses separate and … [Read more...]
Florida Alimony Vetoed by Governor
A few months ago as the 2016 Florida Legislative session drew to a close, Governor Rick Scott vetoed a bill that had received strong support in both houses of the Florida Legislature. The bill, SB 688 would have required judges in divorce proceedings to begin with a premise that both parents are entitled to approximately equal time with their children. Governor Scott believes this provision is not in the best interests of the children. However, the majority of the bill dealt with the issue of … [Read more...]
Florida Attorneys Protecting Your Alimony Rights
If you are considering divorce, you may also be entitled to alimony. Also known as spousal support, alimony can help you adjust to your new life without the financial support of your spouse. Unlike child support calculations where you have to use formulas and abide by strict guidelines, determining the amount of alimony you may receive depends on several factors that include, but are not limited to: Lifestyle maintained during marriage Length of marriage Age and health conditions Amount … [Read more...]
Order Reversed to Higher Permanent Alimony Award
In a recent case of Stark v. Stark, Fla: Dist. Court of Appeals 2016, a wife appealed an amended final judgment dissolving her twenty-seven-year marriage to the husband. The trial court awarded the Wife $7000 of bridge-the-gap alimony for eight months, followed by durational alimony of $4900 per month for nine years, and $100 per month in permanent alimony. The Wife did not challenge the amount of alimony awarded, but she contended the trial court erred in awarding a combination of durational … [Read more...]
