The Florida Alimony Reform advocacy group is still seeking changes to the state's alimony laws, despite a recent setback when the Senate failed to pass an already House-approved bill that would begin to bring about the reform. This group seeks to end permanent alimony payments, replacing it with a system focused on making each party self-sufficient post-divorce. Their hope is that the current lifetime alimony requirements will be adjusted to become more in line with other states, where alimony is typically a shorter-term requirement.
As we reported last month, advocates and opponents of alimony reform have been working to make their viewpoints understood. In addition to Florida, other states have considered reforming their alimony requirements, or have already passed changes, to be based on the length of the marriage as well as the income of the parties involved. There are currently reported cases, under laws viewed as outdated, where alimony payers face bankruptcy because they cannot afford to make these lifelong payments. Some obligations may also prevent payers from retiring, as they are forced to work to pay support during the lifetime of the ex-spouse. According to reform supporters, these financial issues not only affect the payer, but their families as well and can have lasting consequences, so that is why they will continue urge legislators to reform the current statutes.
