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Alimony Bill: More Questions than Answers

March 4th, 2016 by Mike Vasilinda

Sweeping changes to the state’s alimony law could be coming soon after the State Senate gave tentative approval to legislation ending permanent awards. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, major concerns remain over a 50/50 child sharing arrangement in the bill.

Attempts to change alimony are generating more questions than answers at the State Capitol. At the center of the debate is whether kids should spend equal time with divorcing parents. Sen. Greg Evers wondered how the legislation would effect kids.

“If I’m getting a divorce, then the parenting plan will be 50/50 up front. is that correct?” asked Evers.

Sponsor Keli Stargel (R-Lakeland) responded:

“That just means that when you walk in the door, before all the attorneys are involved, before you stated your case, there is a premise that you are going to have equal share time with your child.”

Under the legislation, a ten percent change in income will allow one side or the other to go back into court. Stargel says that’s already happening.

“There have been people who have been taken back to court for what one deemed substantial when it was eight percent, or seven percent, or whatever. We’re putting a threshold at ten.”

No one asked tougher questions than Senator Greg Evers.

“You know, I’m just wondering down the road what this is going to do to children” Evers told us.

Governor Rick Scott vetoed an alimony reform bill in 2013 because it was retroactive. Big questions remain about what this bill will allow.

The League of Women Voters has launched an email campaign calling for a study. Barbara DeVane, representing the National Organization for Women, is calling for another veto.

“Ninety -seven percent of the people paying alimony are men. They will flood the courts with what they call modification” said DeVane.

When asked, Governor Rick Scott has said only that he will review what lawmakers send him.

While Governor Scott isn’t tipping his hand on the legislation, he has said his decisions are formed on his life’s experiences; He will celebrate his 44th wedding anniversary next month.