Alimony Could Give Way to Formula
March 1st, 2016 by Mike Vasilinda
Legislation ending permanent alimony for divorcing couples in Floria took a giant step forward today in the State Capitol. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, efforts to make the change apply only to couples yet to marry failed.
Alimony could soon be calculated based on the number of years in a marriage multiplied by the difference between the incomes of the divorcing couple.
Sponsor Keli Stargel (R-Lakeland) says the legislation will simplify divorce.
“This approach will reduce litigation that inflicts an economic and emotional toll on the spouses and their families” Stargel told the committee.
The idea brought dozens of people to the Capitol. Many see it as an attack on wives who gave up all for children and a family. Barbara DeVane represents N.O.W. (National Organization for Women).
“If a woman says home for just a few years and takes care of children and then tries to enter the workplace, she’s out of luck” says DeVane.
But women who have been paying alimony for years longer than the length their marriages say the change is sorely needed. Dr. Natalie Sohn is an O.B.GYN paying alimony.
“It wasn’t fair. I won’t be able to retire. I have a very high amount because they based it on my best year ever” says the doctor.
One of the most controversial provisions says 50/50 child custody is the starting place for a judge to consider. Karen Librizzi asked pointedly:
“Do you really want all our children to be raised by day care centers? Because you’re telling us all just to go to work.”
Efforts to make the new formula apply only to couples who marry after this bill takes effect, failed.
Some fear the change will lead to widespread poverty.
The legislation allows the both sides to go back to court when circumstances change. Alan Frisher, Pres. Family Law Reform has spent eight years trying to pass the legislation.
“If the recipient of alimony is making more money, why does the payer of alimony still pay that same amount” he asked.
In 2013, Rick Scott vetoed a similar bill allowing divorced couples to go back into court retroactively. Scott will celebrate his 44th wedding anniversary in April.
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