Changes In Florida Family Law Could Impact Your Rights In A Fort Lauderdale Divorce In 2024

Going through the breakup of a marriage is difficult, particularly if you have children and relied on your spouse for financial support. Top priorities when getting a Fort Lauderdale divorce are protecting your rights as a parent and your financial security in the aftermath. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer explains how changes in Florida family law during 2023 could impact you in the year to come.

2023 Changes In Florida Child Time-Sharing Laws

Florida family laws underwent major changes over the course of 2023. These have the potential to impact your rights in a divorce moving forward. The first applies to couples with children and concerns how child time-sharing arrangements are handled.

Previously, under the Florida Statutes, child time-sharing was generally encouraged. However, there were factors the court would consider prior to approving any arrangements. These include:

• The current and prior role each party plays in the child’s life;
• Their proven ability to provide the care and nurturing the child needs;
• Their willingness to cooperate with each other in carrying out a parenting plan;
• Whether there are any issues, such as drug abuse or domestic violence, that could put the child at risk.

This changed in 2023 when Governor Ron DeSantis approved a bill to make equal parenting time a presumption, rather than merely an option. While the difference may appear subtle, it could translate into less time spent with your child. It could also mean having to implement parenting plans that are ultimately not in a child’s best interests.

How Florida Alimony Reform Could Impact You In 2024

The presumptions towards equal parenting time could potentially benefit unmarried fathers, who were previously underserved in Florida paternity proceedings. At the same time, it could negatively impact parents going through Fort Lauderdale divorce proceedings.

The rights of those going through a divorce were also impacted by Florida Senate Bill 1416. Signed by the Governor and enacted over the summer, it provides sweeping alimony reforms. Alimony plays a major role in protecting the financial security of those who relied on their spouse as the primary breadwinner or who sacrificed their own career or education for the sake of the marriage. Some of the changes that will impact these cases moving forward include:

• Permanent alimony, paid out for an indefinite period, is no longer available;
• Durational alimony is only available now in marriages lasting at least three years;
• Instead of ensuring the receiving spouse maintains the same standard of living as during the marriage, durational alimony now covers only ‘reasonable expenses’;
• Requirements for rehabilitation alimony in Florida are now more strict and payments cannot extend longer than five years.

To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer 

Florida divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto has the experience and legal skills needed to help you successfully navigate recent changes in Florida divorce laws. To discuss your case, contact our office and request a consultation today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2023/html/2984