TAVARAS, Fla., Aug. 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida Alimony Reform is working hard to change the state's antiquated alimony legislation. To that end, the Tavaras, Fla.-based grassroots organization is conducting Town Hall meetings statewide to educate the public about why change is necessary.
While many states, including Massachusetts, have revised their laws to keep up with changing times, others, including Florida, have refused to budge. These draconian laws were created in the 1950s when women had few career opportunities. They were meant to assist a spouse who would otherwise have no way to support themselves.
But times have changed and women are making sizeable incomes, some are even the primary breadwinners. Yet, the laws have not changed to reflect these shifting social and demographic patterns.
Last year, Florida Alimony Reform successfully got its proposal through the state House, but it stalled in the Senate. This year, the organization will return to Tallahassee, working harder than ever to change the law.
"Over the past few years we have established our credibility and professionalism with the Legislature," said Alan Frisher, FAR's co-director and spokesman. "This has been a critical step in the legislative process to insure that our voice is heard and respected. We have, and will continue to educate lawmakers, about the facts surrounding alimony so that they understand what needs to be done in constructing new, effective law."
Florida Senator Maria Sachs, (D-Delray Beach), is among those lawmakers taking up the gauntlet in this renewed battle.
"Our laws need to reflect the changing social and economic dynamics of our society," said Sachs, who was among the featured speakers at Florida Alimony Reform's Town Hall meeting on Aug. 25 at Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee. "The Legislature must keep pace with the economy. It's time to bring the issue to the table so we can discuss it and let the people decide, through their elected officials, what they want."
Brian Reynolds was married for less than 10 years, yet a judge still ordered him to pay permanent alimony. To make matters worse, the judge cited his ex-wife's felony record as one of the reasons she needed permanent alimony.
"The laws are now structured to abuse average citizens like myself and must be changed," said the Melbourne, Fla. resident.
Men aren't the only ones seeking to change the law. Debbie Leff Israel formed the Second Wives Club, a subgroup of Florida Alimony Reform. The Weston, Fla. resident got involved when she learned that if she married her fiancé, his ex-wife would be entitled to some of her salary as well.
"The ex-wife or the spouse doesn't get married. Why? Because if someone like me who is engaged to an alimony payer gets married, then my assets increase his ability to pay and potentially my income can go toward an ex-wife's alimony," said Leff Israel. "The law doesn't provide a rehabilitative plan for some able-bodied person to eventually get off alimony. Even welfare ends."
Today's alimony laws are oppressive and harsh enough to create dire financial consequences for any money earner forcing them into bankruptcy or, if they can't pay, send them to jail. Florida Alimony Reform's goal is simple: Create a system whereby alimony serves as a transition to independence and doesn't result in a lifetime of entitlement.
Founded in 2010 and based in Tavaras, Fla., FAR represents more than 2,000 families across the state.
The Florida Alimony Reform logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11350