Governor Scott Vetoes the alimony bill – Why? The reason may surprise many - Tampa Full-Service Law Firm

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Rick Scott today vetoed a bill which would have ushered in an overhaul of current alimony laws, but would also have created a new legal premise that both parents to a divorce have approximate equal timesharing of their children. “As a husband, father and grandfather, I understand the importance of family and the sensitivity and passion that comes with the subject of family law,” Scott said in a veto message. “Family law issues are very personal and nearly every family comes to the court with different circumstances and needs.”

He said: “Current law directs a judge to consider the needs and interests of the children first when determining a parenting plan and time-sharing schedule. This bill has the potential to up-end that policy in favor of putting the wants of a parent before the child’s best interest by creating a premise of equal time-sharing. Our judges must consider each family’s unique situation and abilities and put the best interests of the child above all else.”