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Legislators Regroup after Veto of Controversial Child Custody and Alimony Bill in Florida

Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer The recent veto by Governor Rick Scott of SB 668 will have a significant impact on divorcing couples across the state of Florida. The bill included provisions that Scott found troubling, including the required assumption that each parent is entitled to equal time with children if no mitigating circumstances are present. Other changes that would have been put into place by the Senate bill include the following:

  • Alterations to the evaluation process used by courts to determine the division of parental responsibilities
  • Increased fact-finding responsibilities for courts in determining alimony amounts and duration
  • Establishment of a cap on combined alimony and child support at 55 percent of income
  • Limits the duration of alimony payments to a percentage of the length of the marriage

SB 668 was first introduced in October 2015 and went through several revisions during the committee review process. The controversial nature of this bill highlights the need for a qualified Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer when navigating this legal process in the state of Florida. The Law Offices of Ben I. Farbstein, P.A., can provide the support needed to establish fair and equitable child support, alimony and child visitation arrangements in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas.

Financial Support Often at Issue

Child support and alimony payments are often contested in court during divorce proceedings. The vetoed bill would have set clear guidelines for the allowable amount of child support and the duration and amount of alimony payments. Without this added guidance, courts have greater leeway in determining the acceptable amount of these payments. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer can provide the expert representation needed by parents and former partners in reaching a fair financial settlement and achieving their goals in a divorce.

Proponents of SB 668 noted that the bill may have faced an uphill battle thanks to the combination of child custody and alimony changes in a single piece of legislation. By dividing these issues into separate bills, supporters of these changes expect to achieve better results in future attempts to alter Florida divorce law. The controversy surrounding SB 668 will almost certainly be a factor in the success or failure of these bills. For couples in Fort Lauderdale and across the state, however, retaining the services of a capable attorney like Ben I. Farbstein can provide the support needed to reach a fair divorce settlement and custody arrangement no matter what the future may bring.

If you are currently going through a divorce, contact the Law Offices of Ben I. Farbstein at 954-962-5900. We look forward to discussing your situation firsthand.

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