If Governor Rick Scott Signs, Florida’s Alimony and Child Custody Laws Will Soon Change

Should Florida Governor Rick Scott veto contentious Family Law Senate Bill 668? If the bill is signed by the Governor, what changes to Florida’s alimony and child custody laws would occur? Are the current Florida child custody and alimony standards sufficient? Is there a need for change? What should Florida Family Law attorneys and West Palm Beach divorce lawyers know about this legislation?

Will Governor Scott Sign or Veto?

• A recent Palm Beach Post article  ,dated April 9, 2016, discusses a controversial alimony and child custody bill that has landed on Governor Rick Scott’s desk.
• Senate Bill 668, would make drastic changes to Florida’s alimony and child custody laws.
• What does this mean?
• It means that Governor Scott’s decision could have a huge effect on divorce attorneys Boca Raton, Family Law attorneys Delray Beach, and their clients.
• According to the article, Governor Scott’s office received almost 9,000 emails and calls insisting that he sign the bill.
• However, he also received almost 2,500 emails and calls urging him to veto it.
• What will he do?
• He has until April 19, 2016 to decide.

Senate Bill 668

• How will this bill affect people who are going through divorce in Florida?
• What do changes in the Florida child custody guidelines mean for single parents?
• What will Florida child custody lawyers need to be aware of?
• First, the bill encourages shared custody.
• What does this mean?
• It provides judges with legal guidelines that direct them to decide child custody based on the idea that a child should spend equal time with both parents.
• What if I, the mother of my child, have always done all of the parenting? Will my child’s father still be awarded equal custody?
• What if my wife only wants shared custody so that she doesn’t have to pay me as much child support?
• Is this in the best interest of the child?
• In regards to alimony in Florida, many forms would be eliminated.
• For example, there would be no more permanent alimony in Florida.
• What does this mean?
• It means that spouses would no longer be able to obtain alimony for a lifetime.
• How will this affect elderly people getting divorced who are not competitive in the job market?
• How will this affect people who sacrificed everything to stay home and take care of the family?
• Alimony awards would be based on the spouse’s incomes, and the length of the award would depend on how long the marriage was for.
• In addition, alimony and child custody payments would not be able to exceed 55 percent of a payer’s income.
• Once the alimony is awarded, can it be modified?
• Lastly, under this bill, you have to be married for at least two years to qualify for alimony.
• Are there exceptions? What are they?

Want to learn more?

Click here to read Senate Bill 668.

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