Florida Alimony Reform 2017

by | Mar 1, 2017 | Firm News, Florida Family Law

The year of Alimony Reform in Florida seems to come and go at the whim of who is in government. In 2017, Sen. Kathleen Passidomo and State Rep. Colleen Burton will try again at reforming Alimony in Florida. The legal requirements of Alimony have long been a headache for lawyers in Florida because the guidelines have been murky and confusing. Reform proposed by the aforementioned parties hopes to set clearer guidelines on when alimony is required to begin and how much should be given for how long. Knowing how judges make their decisions will help divorcees fully understand what their Alimony payments are based upon

What will happen to my Alimony if the latest reform bill passes?

  • There will not be any immediate change to current Alimony arrangements after the bill is passed or fails. However, if the bill is passed, alimony cases will take a different form from here on out. Judges will have defined guidelines to follow and consider regarding issues like compensation for homemaking, child care, education, and career building for ex spouses. These types of issues have been brought up before, but if this bill passes, judges will be required to consider them during Alimony rulings. If they are being ignored, a qualified attorney can bring them to the judges attention.

Will I have to pay more or less if HB 283 passes?

  • It depends. In some circumstances there might be an increase in Alimony payments, and in others there might be a reduction in Alimony payments. To find out specifically about your case, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. to determine if you will be paying more or less if HB 283 passes. After new bills are passed it will still take time for legal effects to be felt. Your best defense is to get in contact with a family law attorney to get your Alimony situation in complete order before the governor decides on HB 283.

Can a lawyer protect me from paying more Alimony?

  • This also depends on your specific case. It is difficult to say whether an attorney can keep your Alimony payments low without knowing the specifics of the judge’s ruling and considerations. If HB 283 passes, your Alimony agreement may be reviewed and could possibly be presented to a judge for adjustment. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. to find out if your Alimony payments can be lowered or modified.

Contact Our Family Law Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale Today!

The fate of HB 283 lies with Gov. Rick Scott. However, HB 283 looks to remedy the qualms Gov. Rick Scott has had regarding past guidelines and requirements of judges. Only time will tell if Florida successfully reforms Alimony, but in the meantime, contact Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. to discuss any matters regarding your Alimony case and safeguard you against potential problems if HB 283 passes. Being proactive about legal matters will save time, money, and stress. Always choose a bar-certified, professional family law attorney when choosing to discuss Alimony issues.