Some are calling it misogynistic; others say it is just reforming an out-of-date law. Whichever side you fall on, the reality is that new alimony legislation in the state of Florida could have a more wide-reaching impact on spousal support than you think.

Florida lawmakers are presenting some new bills that will revise the state's alimony laws, which would limit the duration of spousal support payments to a length of time equal to the dissolved marriage. The bills would also place a cap on alimony payments at 20% of the paying spouse's net monthly income and would also terminate alimony payments when the paying spouse reaches full retirement age, which is currently 66.

One of the most important parts of the new legislation is a retroactive clause that allows those currently paying alimony to change their spousal maintenance agreement to meets the standards set by the potential law.

Those who support the bills state that the modern-day household has two working spouses and that the current legislation regarding alimony does not reflect this. Critics of the bills say that there is a potential pitfall for older divorcees or those who lack educational or professional experience and cannot get gainful employment. These groups, critics say, could be left behind financially if the new legislation is passed.

In any case, similar bills were passed in both New Jersey and Massachusetts, and it may not be long before alimony laws across the nation see similar reforms. If we see such alterations and you are making spousal support payments, consult an experienced legal professional to assess your situation.

Source: Huffington Post, "Cheaper to Keep Her? Not Anymore..." Jason Marks, Jan. 3, 2012