Central Florida family law alimony attorneys across Florida will be watching the progress of Senate Bill 718 (SB-718) and the changes it proposes to alimony in Florida. On April 4, 2013, the state Senate approved the bill by a 29-11 vote. The House is considering a similar bill.
Among other things, the bill would ban permanent alimony and change the definition of short-term, mid-term and long-term marriages. Marriages lasting 11 years or less would be considered short-term and have a presumption against awarding alimony. Marriages lasting 11-19 years would be considered mid-term and have no presumption in favor for either spouse with regard to alimony. Marriages lasting 20 or more years would be considered long-term and would have a presumption in favor of awarding alimony.
Another important change is that when determining alimony, the presumption will be that “both parties have a lower standard of living after the dissolution of marriage than the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage.” Currently judges are to consider the standard of living established during the marriage.
If you are concerned about how these changes may impact you and your Central Florida divorce, your best source for information is an experienced family law alimony lawyer. To schedule an initial consultation with Attorney Wade P. Luther, please contact Family Law of Orlando by email or by calling (407) 835-9900.