Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
The Florida Senate OK’d a proposal that overhauls the state’s alimony system.
The Florida Senate voted 24-14 to approve the measure (SB 668), which changes the way Florida judges can award spousal support.
“This is a very, very emotional thing,” said Sen. Kelli Stargel, the Lakeland Republican who sponsored the bill.
Among other things, the bill allows the court to modify alimony payments if there is a substantial change in circumstances, including unemployment or retirement. For years, former spouses have said permanent alimony isn’t fair. Their exes, usually women, have fought back saying they shouldn’t be penalized for having trouble re-entering the workplace.
“This is unfair. This is inequitable. This is not what we should be doing now,” said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, a Tampa Democrat. “I think this is a travesty, a disgrace and a shame that we would do this to those who have given their all for their families.”
In addition to tinkering with the alimony language, the bill calls on judges to begin with the premise that children should spend equal time with each parent when awarding child custody. On Friday, Sen. Tom Lee, a Brandon Republican, amended the bill to specify that the time-share language is not retroactive.
The bill now heads to the House.
2 comments
Jennifer
March 4, 2016 at 8:51 pm
This is not just an alimony overhaul bill. This has the potential to affect all of Florida’s children in a negative way. Shared parenting beliefs have already affected these children:
Victim(s): Ashton (14 months) (ENCLARDE)
Victim(s): Izabella Votta (6 years)
Victim(s): Amira Andrade (6 years)
Victim(s): Ahizya Osceola (3 years)
Victim(s): Tamarri Weaver (2 months)
Victim(s): Elijay Kye Aliazar (3 months)
Victim(s): Aidyn Burton (10 months)
Victim(s): Kyla Hall (1 year)
Victim(s): Jada (4 years) (NORFLEET)
Victim(s): Nehemiah (2 months) (WEEDON)
Victim(s): Mesia Wright (2 years)
Victim(s): Kristina Hepp (4 years)
Victim(s): Susana Castrillon (8 years), Sebastian Castrillon (7 years)
Victim(s): John Taylor Baxley (3 years)
Victim(s): Ronderique Anderson (16 months)
Victim(s): Chavon Robinson (22 months)
Victim(s): Danielle Baker (mother), sons Ahmaad (4 years) and Amarion (1 year), and unrelated infant.
Victim(s): Kayla McKean (6 years)
Victim(s): Karminda Rosales Salazar (20-year-old daughter that survived stabbing), grandson Josue Rosales (2 months)
Victim(s): Darwin (3 months) (COSTELLO)
Victim(s): Alexandra Brown (10 years)
Victim(s): Javon Dade Jr. (4 years)
Victim(s): Jayden Antonio Villegas-Morales (2 years)
Victim(s): Logan Sherwin (2 years)
Victim(s): Roosevelt Bradley III (8 months)
Victim(s): Elijah Exilasse (4 years)
Victim(s): Crystal Camacho (8 years), Nelson Camacho (10 years)
Victim(s): Shelby (3 weeks) (MADDOX)
Victim(s): Diella Ludwig (2 months)
Victim(s): Phoebe Jonchuck
Victim(s): MaSarah Ross (3 years), Ronkeya Holmes (child’s mother)
Victim(s): Hayden (2 months) (COOK)
Victim(s): Melissa Stoddard (11 years)
Victim(s): Aurelia Juarez (14 months)
Victim(s): Savanna (14 years), David (11 years), Lauren ( 9 years) in critical condition (MOHNEY)
Victim(s): Jeremiah Reese (14 years)
Lynn Mason
March 5, 2016 at 9:28 pm
What should be considered is when the system allows permanent alimony and half of a soldier’s retirement pay, while the spouse has always worked. Florida law does not take into consideration a veteran who has given his life for his country can have the same country take what he needs to sustain life. They system should have a balance especially if the spouse works. I understand female politicians passion, but remember all spouses aren’t women and some circumstances to divorce shouldn’t allow take all based on sex.
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