A bill that would have ended permanent alimony in Florida was vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott a few months ago. But plans are already being made to bring it back next year.
Members of the group Family Law Reform will hold a summit and fundraiser in Orlando August 17th focused on reforming what they say are outdated permanent alimony laws.Melbourne Republican Rep. Ritch Workman told a House Committee last March it's not about getting rid of alimony – it's about being fair.
“I could pack this entire chamber, the chamber of this House, with abuse that's taken place over the last several decades with alimony”, said Workman.
John Frumalero thinks he's a good example of what's wrong with the current law. The Pensacola financial advisor explained his plight to the House Judiciary committee.
“Married just under 19 years. My ex-wife was a military retired officer – her own pension, college educated. Files for divorce. She was determined that she was entitled to permanent alimony”, Frumalero said.
Workman says many divorcés like Frumalero can't retire when they're ready because they're saddled with lifelong alimony payments.
“We are a no fault state", Workman explained. "Whether you agree with that or not, we are, and alimony should never be used as a weapon or as a sentence to the one the judge thought had wronged the other.”
Gov. Scott vetoed the bill in part because it would have affected alimony agreements that were made long ago. It also would have required most divorced couples to share equal custody of their children.
Bill supporters could decide to remove those provisions when the legislation is reintroduced next year.