Floridians have listened to state politicians debate the pros and cons of doing away with permanent alimony (spousal support) for years now. Finally, there’s some real news. This summer, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill passed by both houses of the legislature into law that ends permanent alimony in divorce agreements from July 1 on.
This was the second time such legislation made it to his desk. He previously vetoed it because there was no provision to make it retroactive for any previously signed spousal support agreements. The new law allows permanent alimony to continue if that’s what was agreed to in a non-modifiable agreement signed before permanent alimony was abolished.
The new law allows three different options for alimony
Florida still has bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative alimony, which are temporary. Both are intended for those who earn less than their spouse or haven’t been earning an income the time taken to get the education, training or experience they need to become self-supporting.
The law also adds “durational alimony” to the mix in some cases. It’s an option only for couples whose marriages lasted at least three years. The alimony’s duration is based largely on the length of the marriage. The law states, however, that the duration can’t “exceed the lesser of the obligee’s reasonable need or 35 percent of the difference between the parties’ net incomes.”
Whether you have questions about your current spousal support agreement or you’re going to be seeking (or potentially paying) spousal support in an upcoming divorce, it’s important to read and understand the new law. Having experienced legal guidance can help you better understand the law and protect your rights under it.
