Bill Summary

by Workman Co Sponsors: Cummings, Diaz, Gaetz (M), Hood, Hooper, Hutson, Moskowitz, Raburn CS Sponsors: Judiciary Committee, Civil Justice Subcommittee

Family Law: Revises factors to be considered in alimony awards; provides that award of alimony automatically terminates without further action under certain circumstances; provides that the party seeking alimony has burden of proof; requires court to consider specified factors when determining type and amount of alimony; revises provisions for award of durational alimony; provides presumptions for or against awards based duration of marriage; provides for imputation of income in certain circumstances; provides for offset of or other consideration of alimony obligation in determining equitable distribution or child support in certain circumstances; provides presumption in favor of equal time-sharing by parents; provides exceptions; provides that alimony order be modified upon showing of substantial change in circumstances by clear & convincing evidence; provides that increase in an obligor's income may not be considered permanent in nature until maintained for specified period; provides for attorney fees & costs if obligee unnecessarily or unreasonably litigates petition for modification or termination; revises provisions relating to effect of supportive relationship on alimony; provides that attaining of retirement age is substantial change in circumstances; allows separate adjudication of issues in certain circumstances; provides for applicability. Effective Date: July 1, 2013

   H Civil Justice Subcommittee
   H Judiciary Committee