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The End of Permanent Alimony in Florida
Currently there are four types of alimony awarded under Florida law. Florida Statute 61.08 provides for the possibility of an award for Bridge-the-Gap, Rehabilitative, Durational, and Permanent Alimony.
Although permanent alimony is “still on the books”, there have been strong movements forming in south Florida and across the country for the reform of alimony, including the abolishment of permanent alimony entirely.
As an example, a recent article in the Asbury Park Press addressed the efforts to have the New Jersey Legislature examine the alimony laws currently in existence in that state, just as Massachusetts has done in recent years.
In Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and throughout south Florida the “Second Wives Club” is an organization that has strong support for the abolishment of permanent alimony. A recent article appearing in the Sacramento Bee is illustrative of the frustrations felt by many people.
Recent legislation in Florida has taken steps to make it more difficult to receive permanent alimony if the duration of the marriage is under 17 years in length. There must be significant and exceptional circumstances at play for a judge to award an individual permanent alimony in a marriage of less than 17 years.
For more information on this timely issue, contact a family law attorney who has substantial experience in dealing with these as well as other family law issues.