Across the country, there are 44 states that have bans on permanent alimony, and Florida could be joining the ranks as the 45th state to do so as well. According to Florida Politics, a proposal to ban permanent alimony in the state has passed through its final House committee, and will be heading to the Florida State Senate for hearings, discussions and possible approval.
As the Florida alimony battle heats up, it’s important for people who are divorced or who are seeking divorce to understand the possible implications of this piece of legislation.
What You Need to Know About HB 1559 — A Bill that Would Ban Permanent Florida Alimony
Previous pieces of legislation that sought to ban permanent alimony in Florida have been vetoed by past governors, but this one may have a decent shot at being signed into law. Here are a few facts to note about this legislation:
- The bill would eliminate permanent alimony in the state, and it would set the presumed custody agreement for parents seeking divorce at 50/50.
- If this bill is signed into law, it cannot be retroactively applied to divorce cases that have already been finalized. However, it can be applied to any pending divorce proceedings, or those that are currently in the appeals process.
What People are Saying About HB 1559 in Florida
Not surprisingly, this piece of legislation has ushered in a heated debate as to whether or not it is appropriate to ban permanent alimony in Florida. Some advocates feel that the bill is long overdue, as permanent alimony can be an unnecessary financial burden for those who divorce for a variety of reasons. Permanent alimony also can make it difficult for divorced people to participate in long-term financial planning, because they constantly have to consider their financial obligations due to alimony.
Those who are opposed to the bill feel that the assumption that all cases would benefit from 50/50 custody arrangements is misguided. Some legislators and lobbyists argued that each divorce situation is unique, and that 50/50 custody may not always be the best option. In addition, others who are opposed to the bill feel that alimony provides divorced people with the financial security that they may need in the aftermath of the dissolution of the marriage.
Next Best Steps: Contact Your Tampa Divorce Attorney
If you have any concerns about HB 1559, or you would like to know more about how it could impact your own divorce proceedings, contact our experienced Tampa divorce attorney today.
If you have questions for a Tampa divorce lawyer, or are unaware of the terms and conditions of a Tampa divorce, talk to, and retain, a family law attorney who can help. Contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-906-0048 or by e-mail at [email protected]