Due to various rulings in Florida recently, many have voiced their need for divorce law reform in Florida. Nothing official has been undertaken yet, but the need for reform has been supported among the affected population and in Florida’s 2012 legislature. The main issue being discussed is the “permanent alimony.” When discussing these issues it can be a slippery slope of gender discrimination and stereotyping persons who are going through the divorce process.
The Stakes
The concept known as “permanent alimony” is in its original form meant to support the needs of a spouse who is unable to support his or herself after a lengthy marriage. An example, which garners many opinions and debates, is a spouse who has stayed home and taken care of the children. These spouses have forgone the opportunity to forge a career and build up assets of their own. When and if the couple happens to divorce, this spouse is left with no skills to forward or be able to support themselves with. Under Florida’s alimony stipulations, he or she would qualify for “permanent alimony.”
The Reasons
Florida is considered by many to have some of the more progressive alimony laws found throughout all the states. It is based on one spouses need and the other’s ability to pay. If either spouses’ need or ability to pay cannot be proven, then no alimony will be awarded. However, when permanent alimony is awarded, it can always be modified at a later date if the circumstances of either party change.
Some point to Massachusetts, where recently alimony laws have been reformed and implemented, as evidence that Florida needs to rethink where they stand on alimony. But there are many opinions and detractors on both sides of the argument.
Overtime, in many facets of laws and regulations, some changes need to be put in place to reflect the changes in social and demographics patterns, as well as the economic climate. It is tough to judge laws and continually change them, as no one can foresee where and when an economic depression or boom will take place. Divorce, for some, has become an economic lightning rod, and some view various laws as being outdated or indeed made for a different economic and social era.
To learn more about divorce laws in your state, or to learn about a no-fault, uncontested divorce, visit www.mydivorcepapers.com today.