Statutory changes often cause uncertainty and create misconceptions surrounding the revisions and enactments of the new statutes. The recent reform to portions of Florida’s family law statutes is no exception to these misunderstandings. This article considers two sections of the recent family law reform that have drawn misconceptions and clarifies these statutory changes for practitioners, their clients, and all interested parties.

Adultery’s Impact on Alimony

Florida’s alimony statute underwent significant changes, including the elimination of permanent alimony. Section 61.08 of the Florida Statutes now permits an award of temporary, durational, rehabilitative, or bridge-the-gap alimony in periodic or lump sum payments. A court must make findings relating to the need for alimony and whether the other party has the ability to pay. Upon making findings of need and ability to pay, the court considers a list of factors to determine the proper form of alimony to award.