fl statutes ch 61

8/2/2019 FL Statutes CH 61

1/171

PARTI

PARTII

2011FloridaStatutes

TITLEVI CIVILPRACTICEAND

PROCEDURE

CHAPTER61 DISSOLUTIONOF

MARRIAGE;SUPPORT;

TIME

SHARING

VIEWENTIRECHAPTER

CHAPTER61

DISSOLUTIONOFMARRIAGE;SUPPORT;TIMESHARING

GENERAL PROVISIONS

(ss.61.00161.45)

UNIFORM CHILD CUSTODY JURISDICTION AND ENFORCEMENT ACT

(ss.61.501

61.542)

PARTI

GENERAL PROVISIONS

61.001 Purposeofchapter.

61.011 Dissolutioninchancery.

61.021 Residencerequirements.

61.031 Dissolutionofmarriagetobeavinculo.

61.043

Commencementof

aproceeding

for

dissolution

of

marriage

or

for

alimonyandchildsupport;dissolutionquestionnaire.

61.044 Certainexistingdefensesabolished.

61.046 Definitions.

61.052 Dissolutionofmarriage.

61.061 Proceedingsagainstnonresidents.

61.071 Alimonypendentelite;suitmoney.

61.075

Equitable

distribution

of

marital

assets

and

liabilities.61.076 Distributionofretirementplansupondissolutionofmarriage.

61.077 Determinationofentitlementtosetoffsorcreditsuponsaleofmarital

home.

61.079 Premaritalagreements.

61.08 Alimony.

TheFloridaSenate

Page 1 of 171- Chapter 61 - 2011 Florida Statutes - The Florida Senate

3/21/2012http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/Chapter61/All


2/171

61.09 Alimonyandchildsupportunconnectedwithdissolution.

61.10 Adjudicationofobligationtosupportspouseorminorchild

unconnectedwithdissolution;parentingplan.

61.11 Writs.

61.12

Attachmentor

garnishment

of

amounts

due

for

alimony

or

child

support.

61.122 Parentingplanrecommendation;presumptionofpsychologistsgood

faith;prerequisitetoparentsfilingsuit;awardoffees,costs,reimbursement.

61.125 Parentingcoordination.

61.13 Supportofchildren;parentingandtimesharing;powersofcourt.

61.13001 Parentalrelocationwithachild.

61.13002 Temporarytimesharingmodificationandchildsupport

modificationduetomilitaryservice.

61.13003 Courtorderedelectroniccommunicationbetweenaparentanda

child.

61.1301 Incomedeductionorders.

61.13015 Petitionforsuspensionordenialofprofessionallicensesand

certificates.

61.13016 Suspensionofdriverslicensesandmotorvehicleregistrations.

61.1354

Sharingof

information

between

consumer

reporting

agencies

and

theIVDagency.

61.14 Enforcementandmodificationofsupport,maintenance,oralimony

agreementsororders.

61.16 Attorneysfees,suitmoney,andcosts.

61.17 Alimonyandchildsupport;additionalmethodforenforcingorders

andjudgments;costs,expenses.

61.18

Alimonyand

child

support;

default

in

undertaking

of

bond

posted

to

ensurepayment.

61.181 Depositoryforalimonytransactions,support,maintenance,and

supportpayments;fees.

61.1811 ClerkoftheCourtChildSupportEnforcementCollectionSystem

TrustFund.




3/171

61.1812 ChildSupportIncentiveTrustFund.

61.1814 ChildSupportEnforcementApplicationandProgramRevenue

TrustFund.

61.1816 ChildSupportClearingTrustFund.

61.1824

StateDisbursement

Unit.

61.1825 StateCaseRegistry.

61.1826 ProcurementofservicesforStateDisbursementUnitandthenon

TitleIVDcomponentoftheStateCaseRegistry;contractsandcooperative

agreements;penalties;withholdingpayment.

61.1827 Identifyinginformationconcerningapplicantsforandrecipientsof

childsupportservices.

61.183 Mediationofcertaincontestedissues.

61.19 Entryofjudgmentofdissolutionofmarriage,delayperiod.

61.191 Application.

61.20 Socialinvestigationandrecommendationsregardingaparentingplan.

61.21 Parentingcourseauthorized;fees;requiredattendanceauthorized;

contempt.

61.29 Childsupportguidelines;principles.

61.30 Childsupportguidelines;retroactivechildsupport.

61.401

Appointmentof

guardian

ad

litem.

61.402 Qualificationsofguardiansadlitem.

61.403 Guardiansadlitem;powersandauthority.

61.404 Guardiansadlitem;confidentiality.

61.405 Guardiansadlitem;immunity.

61.45 Courtorderedparentingplan;riskofviolation;bond.

61.001 Purposeofchapter.

(1)

Thischapter

shall

be

liberally

construed

and

applied.

(2) Itspurposesare:

(a) Topreservetheintegrityofmarriageandtosafeguardmeaningful

familyrelationships;

(b) Topromotetheamicablesettlementofdisputesthatarisebetween

partiestoamarriage;and




4/171

(c) Tomitigatethepotentialharmtothespousesandtheirchildren

causedbytheprocessoflegaldissolutionofmarriage.

History.s.1,ch.71241;s.111,ch.86220.

61.011 Dissolutioninchancery.Proceedingsunderthischapterarein

chancery.History.s.1,Oct.31,1828;RS1477;GS1925;RGS3188;CGL4980;s.2,ch.

29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.2,ch.71241.

Note.Formers.65.01.

61.021 Residencerequirements.Toobtainadissolutionofmarriage,one

ofthepartiestothemarriagemustreside6monthsinthestatebeforethe

filingofthepetition.

History.s.1,ch.522,1853;RS1478;s.1,ch.4726,1899;GS1926;RGS3189;

CGL4981;s.1,ch.16009,1933;s.1,ch.16975,1935;s.1,ch.5744;s.1,ch.57

1974;s.16,ch.67254;s.3,ch.71241;s.112,ch.86220.

Note.Formers.65.02.

61.031 Dissolutionofmarriagetobeavinculo.Nodissolutionof

marriageisfrombedandboard,butisfrombondsofmatrimony.

History.s.3,Feb.14,1835;RS1479;GS1927;RGS3190;CGL4982;s.16,

ch.67254;s.4,ch.71241.

Note.Formers.

65.03.

61.043 Commencementofaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriageorfor

alimonyandchildsupport;dissolutionquestionnaire.

(1) Aproceedingfordissolutionofmarriageoraproceedingunders.

61.09shallbecommencedbyfilinginthecircuitcourtapetitionentitledInre

themarriageof ,husband,and ,wife.Acopyofthepetition

togetherwithacopyofasummonsshallbeservedupontheotherpartytothe

marriagein

the

same

manner

as

service

of

papers

in

civil

actions

generally.

(2) Uponfilingfordissolutionofmarriage,thepetitionermustcomplete

andfilewiththeclerkofthecircuitcourtanunsignedanonymous

informationalquestionnaire.Forpurposesofanonymity,completed

questionnairesmustbekeptinaseparatefileforlaterdistributionbytheclerk

toresearchersfromtheFloridaStateUniversityCenterforMarriageand




5/171

Family.Thesequestionnairesmustbemadeavailabletoresearchersfromthe

FloridaStateUniversityCenterforMarriageandFamilyattheirrequest.The

actualquestionnaireshallbeformulatedbyresearchersfromFloridaState

Universitywhoshalldistributethemtotheclerkofthecircuitcourtineach

county.History.s.5,ch.71241;s.11,ch.98403.

61.044 Certainexistingdefensesabolished.Thedefensestodivorceand

legalseparationofcondonation,collusion,recrimination,andlachesare

abolished.

History.s.6,ch.71241.

61.046 Definitions.Asusedinthischapter,theterm:

(1) BusinessdaymeansanydayotherthanaSaturday,Sunday,orlegal

holiday.

(2) ClerkofCourtChildSupportCollectionSystemorCLERCSystem

meanstheautomatedsystemestablishedpursuanttos.61.181(2)(b)1.,

integratingallclerksofcourtanddepositoriesandthroughwhichpayment

dataandStateCaseRegistrydataistransmittedtothedepartments

automatedchildsupportenforcementsystem.

(3) DepartmentmeanstheDepartmentofRevenue.

(4)

Depositorymeans

the

central

governmental

depository

established

pursuanttos.61.181,createdbyspecialactoftheLegislatureorotherentity

establishedbeforeJune1,1985,toperformdepositoryfunctionsandto

receive,record,report,disburse,monitor,andotherwisehandlealimonyand

childsupportpaymentsnototherwiserequiredtobeprocessedbytheState

DisbursementUnit.

(5) Electroniccommunicationmeanscontact,otherthanfacetoface

contact,facilitated

by

tools

such

as

telephones,

electronic

mail

or

email,

webcams,videoconferencingequipmentandsoftwareorotherwiredor

wirelesstechnologies,orothermeansofcommunicationtosupplementface

tofacecontactbetweenaparentandthatparentsminorchild.

(6) FederalCaseRegistryofChildSupportOrdersmeansthe

automatedregistryofsupportorderabstractsandotherinformation




6/171

establishedandmaintainedbytheUnitedStatesDepartmentofHealthand

HumanServicesasprovidedby42U.S.C.s.653(h).

(7) Healthinsurancemeanscoverageunderafeeforservice

arrangement,healthmaintenanceorganization,orpreferredprovider

organization,and

other

types

of

coverage

available

to

either

parent,

under

whichmedicalservicescouldbeprovidedtoadependentchild.

(8) Incomemeansanyformofpaymenttoanindividual,regardlessof

source,including,butnotlimitedto:wages,salary,commissionsandbonuses,

compensationasanindependentcontractor,workerscompensation,

disabilitybenefits,annuityandretirementbenefits,pensions,dividends,

interest,royalties,trusts,andanyotherpayments,madebyanyperson,

privateentity,federalorstategovernment,oranyunitoflocalgovernment.

UnitedStatesDepartmentofVeteransAffairsdisabilitybenefitsand

unemploymentcompensation,asdefinedinchapter443,areexcludedfrom

thisdefinitionofincomeexceptforpurposesofestablishinganamountof

support.

(9) IVDmeansservicesprovidedpursuanttoTitleIVDoftheSocial

SecurityAct,42U.S.C.ss.651etseq.

(10) Localofficermeansanelectedorappointedconstitutionalor

chartergovernment

official

including,

but

not

limited

to,

the

state

attorney

andclerkofthecircuitcourt.

(11) Nationalmedicalsupportnoticemeansthenoticerequiredunder

42U.S.C.s.666(a)(19).

(12) Obligeemeansthepersontowhompaymentsaremadepursuant

toanorderestablishing,enforcing,ormodifyinganobligationforalimony,

forchildsupport,orforalimonyandchildsupport.

(13)

Obligormeans

aperson

responsible

for

making

payments

pursuanttoanorderestablishing,enforcing,ormodifyinganobligationfor

alimony,forchildsupport,orforalimonyandchildsupport.

(14) Parentingplanmeansadocumentcreatedtogovernthe

relationshipbetweentheparentsrelatingtodecisionsthatmustbemade

regardingtheminorchildandmustcontainatimesharingscheduleforthe




7/171

parentsandchild.Theissuesconcerningtheminorchildmayinclude,butare

notlimitedto,thechildseducation,healthcare,andphysical,social,and

emotionalwellbeing.Increatingtheplan,allcircumstancesbetweenthe

parents,includingtheirhistoricrelationship,domesticviolence,andother

factorsmust

be

taken

into

consideration.

(a) Theparentingplanmustbe:

1. Developedandagreedtobytheparentsandapprovedbyacourt;or

2. Establishedbythecourt,withorwithouttheuseofacourtordered

parentingplanrecommendation,iftheparentscannotagreetoaplanorthe

parentsagreedtoaplanthatisnotapprovedbythecourt.

(b) Anyparentingplanformulatedunderthischaptermustaddressall

urisdictionalissues,includingtheUniformChildCustodyJurisdictionand

EnforcementAct,partIIofthischapter,theInternationalChildAbduction

RemediesAct,42U.S.C.ss.11601etseq.,theParentalKidnappingPrevention

Act,andtheConventionontheCivilAspectsofInternationalChild

AbductionenactedattheHagueonOctober25,1980.

(c) ForpurposesoftheUniformChildCustodyJurisdictionand

EnforcementAct,partIIofthischapter,ajudgmentororderincorporatinga

parentingplanunderthispartisachildcustodydeterminationunderpartII

ofthis

chapter.

(d) ForpurposesoftheInternationalChildAbductionRemediesAct,42

U.S.C.ss.11601etseq.,andtheConventionontheCivilAspectsof

InternationalChildAbduction,enactedattheHagueonOctober25,1980,

rightsofcustodyandrightsofaccessaredeterminedpursuanttothe

parentingplanunderthispart.

(15) Parentingplanrecommendationmeansanonbinding

recommendationconcerning

one

or

more

elements

of

aparenting

plan

made

byacourtappointedmentalhealthpractitionerorotherprofessional

designatedpursuanttos.61.20,s.61.401,orFloridaFamilyLawRulesof

Procedure12.363.

(16) Payormeansanemployerorformeremployeroranyotherperson

oragencyprovidingoradministeringincometotheobligor.




8/171

(17) Sharedparentalresponsibilitymeansacourtorderedrelationship

inwhichbothparentsretainfullparentalrightsandresponsibilitieswith

respecttotheirchildandinwhichbothparentsconferwitheachothersothat

majordecisionsaffectingthewelfareofthechildwillbedeterminedjointly.

(18)

Soleparental

responsibility

means

acourt

ordered

relationship

in

whichoneparentmakesdecisionsregardingtheminorchild.

(19) StateCaseRegistrymeanstheautomatedregistrymaintainedby

theTitleIVDagency,containingrecordsofeachTitleIVDcaseandofeach

supportorderestablishedormodifiedinthestateonorafterOctober1,1998.

SuchrecordsshallconsistofdataelementsasrequiredbytheUnitedStates

SecretaryofHealthandHumanServices.

(20) StateDisbursementUnitmeanstheunitestablishedandoperated

bytheTitleIVDagencytoprovideonecentraladdressforcollectionand

disbursementofchildsupportpaymentsmadeincasesenforcedbythe

departmentpursuanttoTitleIVDoftheSocialSecurityActandincasesnot

beingenforcedbythedepartmentinwhichthesupportorderwasinitially

issuedinthisstateonorafterJanuary1,1994,andinwhichtheobligorschild

supportobligationisbeingpaidthroughincomedeductionorder.

(21) Supportordermeansajudgment,decree,ororder,whether

temporaryor

final,

issued

by

acourt

of

competent

jurisdiction

or

administrativeagencyforthesupportandmaintenanceofachildwhich

providesformonetarysupport,healthcare,arrearages,orpastsupport.When

thechildsupportobligationisbeingenforcedbytheDepartmentofRevenue,

thetermsupportorderalsomeansajudgment,decree,ororder,whether

temporaryorfinal,issuedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictionforthesupport

andmaintenanceofachildandthespouseorformerspouseoftheobligor

withwhom

the

child

is

living

which

provides

for

monetary

support,

health

care,arrearages,orpastsupport.

(22) Support,unlessotherwisespecified,means:

(a) Childsupportand,whenthechildsupportobligationisbeing

enforcedbytheDepartmentofRevenue,spousalsupportoralimonyforthe

spouseorformerspouseoftheobligorwithwhomthechildisliving.




9/171

(b) ChildsupportonlyincasesnotbeingenforcedbytheDepartmentof

Revenue.

(23) Timesharingschedulemeansatimetablethatmustbeincludedin

theparentingplanthatspecifiesthetime,includingovernightsandholidays,

thataminor

child

will

spend

with

each

parent.

The

time

sharing

schedule

shallbe:

(a) Developedandagreedtobytheparentsofaminorchildand

approvedbythecourt;or

(b) Establishedbythecourtiftheparentscannotagreeoriftheiragreed

uponscheduleisnotapprovedbythecourt.

History.s.113,ch.86220;s.1,ch.92138;s.1,ch.93188;s.59,ch.93268;

s.8,ch.94124;s.1363,ch.95147;s.3,ch.96183;s.1,ch.97170;s.41,ch.98

397;s.2,ch.2001158;s.1,ch.2002173;s.1,ch.2004334;s.1,ch.2007179;s.

2,ch.200861;s.1,ch.200990;s.1,ch.2009180.

61.052 Dissolutionofmarriage.

(1) Nojudgmentofdissolutionofmarriageshallbegrantedunlessoneof

thefollowingfactsappears,whichshallbepleadedgenerally:

(a) Themarriageisirretrievablybroken.

(b) Mentalincapacityofoneoftheparties.However,nodissolutionshall

beallowed

unless

the

party

alleged

to

be

incapacitated

shall

have

been

adjudgedincapacitatedaccordingtotheprovisionsofs.744.331fora

precedingperiodofatleast3years.Noticeoftheproceedingfordissolution

shallbeservedupononeofthenearestbloodrelativesorguardianofthe

incapacitatedperson,andtherelativeorguardianshallbeentitledtoappear

andtobeheardupontheissues.Iftheincapacitatedpartyhasageneral

guardianotherthanthepartybringingtheproceeding,thepetitionand

summonsshall

be

served

upon

the

incapacitated

party

and

the

guardian;

and

theguardianshalldefendandprotecttheinterestsoftheincapacitatedparty.

Iftheincapacitatedpartyhasnoguardianotherthanthepartybringingthe

proceeding,thecourtshallappointaguardianadlitemtodefendandprotect

theinterestsoftheincapacitatedparty.However,inalldissolutionsof




10/171

marriagegrantedonthebasisofincapacity,thecourtmayrequirethe

petitionertopayalimonypursuanttotheprovisionsofs.61.08.

(2) Basedontheevidenceatthehearing,whichevidenceneednotbe

corroboratedexcepttoestablishthattheresidencerequirementsofs.61.021

aremet

which

may

be

corroborated

by

avalid

Florida

drivers

license,

a

Floridavotersregistrationcard,avalidFloridaidentificationcardissued

unders.322.051,orthetestimonyoraffidavitofathirdparty,thecourtshall

disposeofthepetitionfordissolutionofmarriagewhenthepetitionisbased

ontheallegationthatthemarriageisirretrievablybrokenasfollows:

(a) Ifthereisnominorchildofthemarriageandiftherespondingparty

doesnot,byanswertothepetitionfordissolution,denythatthemarriageis

irretrievablybroken,thecourtshallenterajudgmentofdissolutionofthe

marriageifthecourtfindsthatthemarriageisirretrievablybroken.

(b) Whenthereisaminorchildofthemarriage,orwhentheresponding

partydeniesbyanswertothepetitionfordissolutionthatthemarriageis

irretrievablybroken,thecourtmay:

1. Ordereitherorbothpartiestoconsultwithamarriagecounselor,

psychologist,psychiatrist,minister,priest,rabbi,oranyotherpersondeemed

qualifiedbythecourtandacceptabletothepartyorpartiesorderedtoseek

consultation;or

2. Continuetheproceedingsforareasonablelengthoftimenottoexceed

3months,toenablethepartiesthemselvestoeffectareconciliation;or

3. Takesuchotheractionasmaybeinthebestinterestofthepartiesand

theminorchildofthemarriage.

If, at any time, the court finds that the marriage is irretrievablybroken, the

court

shall

enter

a

judgment

of

dissolution

of

the

marriage.

If

the

court

findsthat the marriage is not irretrievablybroken, it shall deny the petition for

dissolutionofmarriage.

(3) Duringanyperiodofcontinuance,thecourtmaymakeappropriate

ordersforthesupportandalimonyoftheparties;theparentingplan,support,




11/171

maintenance,andeducationoftheminorchildofthemarriage;attorneys

fees;andthepreservationofthepropertyoftheparties.

(4) Ajudgmentofdissolutionofmarriageshallresultineachspouse

havingthestatusofbeingsingleandunmarried.Nojudgmentofdissolution

ofmarriage

renders

the

child

of

the

marriage

achild

born

out

of

wedlock.

(5) Thecourtmayenforceanantenuptialagreementtoarbitrateadispute

inaccordancewiththelawandtraditionchosenbytheparties.

(6) Anyinjunctionforprotectionagainstdomesticviolencearisingoutof

thedissolutionofmarriageproceedingshallbeissuedasaseparateorderin

compliancewithchapter741andshallnotbeincludedinthejudgmentof

dissolutionofmarriage.

(7) Intheinitialpleadingforadissolutionofmarriageasaseparate

attachmenttothepleading,eachpartyisrequiredtoprovidehisorhersocial

securitynumberandthefullnamesandsocialsecuritynumbersofeachofthe

minorchildrenofthemarriage.

(8) PursuanttothefederalPersonalResponsibilityandWorkOpportunity

ReconciliationActof1996,eachpartyisrequiredtoprovidehisorhersocial

securitynumberinaccordancewiththissection.Eachpartyisalsorequiredto

providethefullname,dateofbirth,andsocialsecuritynumberforeach

minorchild

of

the

marriage.

Disclosure

of

social

security

numbers

obtained

throughthisrequirementshallbelimitedtothepurposeofadministrationof

theTitleIVDprogramforchildsupportenforcement.

History.s.7,ch.71241;s.26,ch.73333;s.38,ch.81259;s.1,ch.86150;s.

114,ch.86220;s.1,ch.8961;s.107,ch.8996;s.1,ch.91246;s.2,ch.93188;s.

4,ch.96183;s.1,ch.96392;s.2,ch.97170;s.3,ch.97242;s.12,ch.98403;s.

1,ch.99375;s.3,ch.200861.

61.061Proceedings

against

nonresidents.Proceedings

may

be

brought

againstpersonsresidingoutofthestate.

History.s.1,Feb.4,1833;RS1482;GS1930;RGS3193;CGL4985;s.2,ch.

29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.8,ch.71241.

Note.Formers.65.06.




12/171

61.071 Alimonypendentelite;suitmoney.Ineveryproceedingfor

dissolutionofthemarriage,apartymayclaimalimonyandsuitmoneyinthe

petitionorbymotion,andifthepetitioniswellfounded,thecourtshallallow

areasonablesumtherefor.Ifapartyinanyproceedingfordissolutionof

marriageclaims

alimony

or

suit

money

in

his

or

her

answer

or

by

motion,

and

theanswerormotioniswellfounded,thecourtshallallowareasonablesum

therefor.

History.ss.1,2,ch.3581,1885;RS1483;GS1931;RGS3194;CGL4986;s.

2,ch.29737,1955;s.16,ch.67254;s.9,ch.71241;s.319,ch.95147.

Note.Formers.65.07.

61.075 Equitabledistributionofmaritalassetsandliabilities.

(1) Inaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriage,inadditiontoallother

remediesavailabletoacourttodoequitybetweentheparties,orina

proceedingfordispositionofassetsfollowingadissolutionofmarriagebya

courtwhichlackedjurisdictionovertheabsentspouseorlackedjurisdiction

todisposeoftheassets,thecourtshallsetaparttoeachspousethatspouses

nonmaritalassetsandliabilities,andindistributingthemaritalassetsand

liabilitiesbetweentheparties,thecourtmustbeginwiththepremisethatthe

distributionshouldbeequal,unlessthereisajustificationforanunequal

distributionbased

on

all

relevant

factors,

including:

(a) Thecontributiontothemarriagebyeachspouse,including

contributionstothecareandeducationofthechildrenandservicesas

homemaker.

(b) Theeconomiccircumstancesoftheparties.

(c) Thedurationofthemarriage.

(d) Anyinterruptionofpersonalcareersoreducationalopportunitiesof

eitherparty.

(e) Thecontributionofonespousetothepersonalcareeroreducational

opportunityoftheotherspouse.

(f) Thedesirabilityofretaininganyasset,includinganinterestina

business,corporation,orprofessionalpractice,intactandfreefromanyclaim

orinterferencebytheotherparty.




13/171

(g) Thecontributionofeachspousetotheacquisition,enhancement,and

productionofincomeortheimprovementof,ortheincurringofliabilitiesto,

boththemaritalassetsandthenonmaritalassetsoftheparties.

(h) Thedesirabilityofretainingthemaritalhomeasaresidenceforany

dependentchild

of

the

marriage,

or

any

other

party,

when

it

would

be

equitabletodoso,itisinthebestinterestofthechildorthatparty,anditis

financiallyfeasibleforthepartiestomaintaintheresidenceuntilthechildis

emancipatedoruntilexclusivepossessionisotherwiseterminatedbyacourt

ofcompetentjurisdiction.Inmakingthisdetermination,thecourtshallfirst

determineifitwouldbeinthebestinterestofthedependentchildtoremain

inthemaritalhome;and,ifnot,whetherotherequitieswouldbeservedby

givinganyotherpartyexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemaritalhome.

(i) Theintentionaldissipation,waste,depletion,ordestructionofmarital

assetsafterthefilingofthepetitionorwithin2yearspriortothefilingofthe

petition.

(j) Anyotherfactorsnecessarytodoequityandjusticebetweenthe

parties.

(2) Ifthecourtawardsacashpaymentforthepurposeofequitable

distributionofmaritalassets,tobepaidinfullorininstallments,thefull

amountordered

shall

vest

when

the

judgment

is

awarded

and

the

award

shall

notterminateuponremarriageordeathofeitherparty,unlessotherwise

agreedtobytheparties,butshallbetreatedasadebtowedfromtheobligor

ortheobligorsestatetotheobligeeortheobligeesestate,unlessotherwise

agreedtobytheparties.

(3) Inanycontesteddissolutionactionwhereinastipulationand

agreementhasnotbeenenteredandfiled,anydistributionofmaritalassetsor

maritalliabilities

shall

be

supported

by

factual

findings

in

the

judgment

or

orderbasedoncompetentsubstantialevidencewithreferencetothefactors

enumeratedinsubsection(1).Thedistributionofallmaritalassetsandmarital

liabilities,whetherequalorunequal,shallincludespecificwrittenfindingsof

factastothefollowing:

(a) Clearidentificationofnonmaritalassetsandownershipinterests;




14/171

(b) Identificationofmaritalassets,includingtheindividualvaluationof

significantassets,anddesignationofwhichspouseshallbeentitledtoeach

asset;

(c) Identificationofthemaritalliabilitiesanddesignationofwhichspouse

shallbe

responsible

for

each

liability;

(d) Anyotherfindingsnecessarytoadvisethepartiesorthereviewing

courtofthetrialcourtsrationaleforthedistributionofmaritalassetsand

allocationofliabilities.

(4) Thejudgmentdistributingassetsshallhavetheeffectofaduly

executedinstrumentofconveyance,transfer,release,oracquisitionwhichis

recordedinthecountywherethepropertyislocatedwhenthejudgment,ora

certifiedcopyofthejudgment,isrecordedintheofficialrecordsofthecounty

inwhichthepropertyislocated.

(5) Ifthecourtfindsgoodcausethatthereshouldbeaninterimpartial

distributionduringthependencyofadissolutionaction,thecourtmayenter

aninterimorderthatshallidentifyandvaluethemaritalandnonmarital

assetsandliabilitiesmadethesubjectoftheswornmotion,setapartthose

nonmaritalassetsandliabilities,andprovideforapartialdistributionofthose

maritalassetsandliabilities.Aninterimordermaybeenteredatanytime

afterthe

date

the

dissolution

of

marriage

is

filed

and

served

and

before

the

finaldistributionofmaritalandnonmaritalassetsandmaritalandnonmarital

liabilities.

(a) Suchaninterimordershallbeenteredonlyupongoodcauseshown

anduponswornmotionestablishingspecificfactualbasisforthemotion.The

motionmaybefiledbyeitherpartyandshalldemonstrategoodcausewhy

themattershouldnotbedeferreduntilthefinalhearing.

(b)

Thecourt

shall

specifically

take

into

account

and

give

appropriate

creditforanypartialdistributionofmaritalassetsorliabilitiesinitsfinal

allocationofmaritalassetsorliabilities.Further,thecourtshallmakespecific

findingsinanyinterimorderunderthissectionthatanypartialdistribution

willnotcauseinequityorprejudicetoeitherpartyastoeitherpartysclaims

forsupportorattorneysfees.




15/171

(c) Anyinterimorderpartiallydistributingmaritalassetsorliabilitiesas

providedinthissubsectionshallbepursuanttoandcomportwiththefactors

insubsections(1)and(3)assuchfactorspertaintotheassetsorliabilities

madethesubjectoftheswornmotion.

(d)

Asused

in

this

subsection,

the

term

good

cause

means

extraordinarycircumstancesthatrequireaninterimpartialdistribution.

(6) Asusedinthissection:

(a)1. Maritalassetsandliabilitiesinclude:

a. Assetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredduringthemarriage,

individuallybyeitherspouseorjointlybythem.

b. Theenhancementinvalueandappreciationofnonmaritalassets

resultingeitherfromtheeffortsofeitherpartyduringthemarriageorfrom

thecontributiontoorexpenditurethereonofmaritalfundsorotherformsof

maritalassets,orboth.

c. Interspousalgiftsduringthemarriage.

d. Allvestedandnonvestedbenefits,rights,andfundsaccruedduring

themarriageinretirement,pension,profitsharing,annuity,deferred

compensation,andinsuranceplansandprograms.

2. Allrealpropertyheldbythepartiesastenantsbytheentireties,

whetheracquired

prior

to

or

during

the

marriage,

shall

be

presumed

to

be

a

maritalasset.If,inanycase,apartymakesaclaimtothecontrary,theburden

ofproofshallbeonthepartyassertingtheclaimthatthesubjectproperty,or

someportionthereof,isnonmarital.

3. Allpersonalpropertytitledjointlybythepartiesastenantsbythe

entireties,whetheracquiredpriortoorduringthemarriage,shallbe

presumedtobeamaritalasset.Intheeventapartymakesaclaimtothe

contrary,the

burden

of

proof

shall

be

on

the

party

asserting

the

claim

that

the

subjectproperty,orsomeportionthereof,isnonmarital.

4. Theburdenofprooftoovercomethegiftpresumptionshallbebyclear

andconvincingevidence.

(b) Nonmaritalassetsandliabilitiesinclude:




16/171

1. Assetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredbyeitherpartypriortothe

marriage,andassetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredinexchangeforsuch

assetsandliabilities;

2. Assetsacquiredseparatelybyeitherpartybynoninterspousalgift,

bequest,devise,

or

descent,

and

assets

acquired

in

exchange

for

such

assets;

3. Allincomederivedfromnonmaritalassetsduringthemarriageunless

theincomewastreated,used,orrelieduponbythepartiesasamaritalasset;

4. Assetsandliabilitiesexcludedfrommaritalassetsandliabilitiesby

validwrittenagreementoftheparties,andassetsacquiredandliabilities

incurredinexchangeforsuchassetsandliabilities;and

5. Anyliabilityincurredbyforgeryorunauthorizedsignatureofone

spousesigningthenameoftheotherspouse.Anysuchliabilityshallbea

nonmaritalliabilityonlyofthepartyhavingcommittedtheforgeryorhaving

affixedtheunauthorizedsignature.Indetermininganawardofattorneys

feesandcostspursuanttos.61.16,thecourtmayconsiderforgeryoran

unauthorizedsignaturebyapartyandmaymakeaseparateawardfor

attorneysfeesandcostsoccasionedbytheforgeryorunauthorizedsignature.

Thissubparagraphdoesnotapplytoanyforgedorunauthorizedsignature

thatwassubsequentlyratifiedbytheotherspouse.

(7)

Thecut

off

date

for

determining

assets

and

liabilities

to

be

identified

orclassifiedasmaritalassetsandliabilitiesistheearliestofthedatethe

partiesenterintoavalidseparationagreement,suchotherdateasmaybe

expresslyestablishedbysuchagreement,orthedateofthefilingofapetition

fordissolutionofmarriage.Thedatefordeterminingvalueofassetsandthe

amountofliabilitiesidentifiedorclassifiedasmaritalisthedateordatesas

thejudgedeterminesisjustandequitableunderthecircumstances.Different

assetsmay

be

valued

as

of

different

dates,

as,

in

the

judges

discretion,

the

circumstancesrequire.

(8) Allassetsacquiredandliabilitiesincurredbyeitherspousesubsequent

tothedateofthemarriageandnotspecificallyestablishedasnonmarital

assetsorliabilitiesarepresumedtobemaritalassetsandliabilities.Such

presumptionisovercomebyashowingthattheassetsandliabilitiesare




17/171

nonmaritalassetsandliabilities.Thepresumptionisonlyforevidentiary

purposesinthedissolutionproceedinganddoesnotvesttitle.Titleto

disputedassetsshallvestonlybythejudgmentofacourt.Thissectiondoes

notrequirethejoinderofspousesintheconveyance,transfer,or

hypothecationof

aspouses

individual

property;

affect

the

laws

of

descent

anddistribution;orestablishcommunitypropertyinthisstate.

(9) Thecourtmayprovideforequitabledistributionofthemaritalassets

andliabilitieswithoutregardtoalimonyforeitherparty.Afterthe

determinationofanequitabledistributionofthemaritalassetsandliabilities,

thecourtshallconsiderwhetherajudgmentforalimonyshallbemade.

(10) Todoequitybetweentheparties,thecourtmay,inlieuoforto

supplement,facilitate,oreffectuatetheequitabledivisionofmaritalassets

andliabilities,orderamonetarypaymentinalumpsumorininstallments

paidoverafixedperiodoftime.

(11) Specialequityisabolished.Allclaimsformerlyidentifiedasspecial

equity,andallspecialequitycalculations,areabolishedandshallbeasserted

eitherasaclaimforunequaldistributionofmaritalpropertyandresolvedby

thefactorssetforthinsubsection(1)orasaclaimofenhancementinvalueor

appreciationofnonmaritalproperty.

History.s.1,

ch.

88

98;

s.

2,

ch.

91

246;

s.

3,

ch.

93

188;

s.

1,

ch.

94

204;

s.

1,

ch.96305;s.1,ch.2002244;s.1,ch.200846.

61.076 Distributionofretirementplansupondissolutionofmarriage.

(1) Allvestedandnonvestedbenefits,rights,andfundsaccruedduring

themarriageinretirement,pension,profitsharing,annuity,deferred

compensation,andinsuranceplansandprogramsaremaritalassetssubjectto

equitabledistribution.

(2)

Ifthe

parties

were

married

for

at

least

10

years,

during

which

at

least

oneofthepartieswhowasamemberofthefederaluniformedservices

performedatleast10yearsofcreditableservice,andifthedivisionofmarital

propertyincludesadivisionofuniformedservicesretiredorretainerpay,the

finaljudgmentshallincludethefollowing:




18/171

(a) Sufficientinformationtoidentifythememberoftheuniformed

services;

(b) CertificationthattheServicemembersCivilReliefActwasobservedif

thedecreewasissuedwhilethememberwasonactivedutyandwasnot

representedin

court;

(c) Aspecificationoftheamountofretiredorretainerpaytobe

distributedpursuanttotheorder,expressedindollarsorasapercentageof

thedisposableretiredorretainerpay.

(3) Anorderwhichprovidesfordistributionofretiredorretainerpay

fromthefederaluniformedservicesshallnotprovideforpaymentfromthis

sourcemorefrequentlythanmonthlyandshallnotrequirethepayortovary

normalpayanddisbursementcyclesforretiredorretainerpayinorderto

complywiththeorder.

History.s.3,ch.8898;s.5,ch.20075.

61.077 Determinationofentitlementtosetoffsorcreditsuponsaleof

maritalhome.Apartyisnotentitledtoanycreditsorsetoffsuponthesale

ofthemaritalhomeunlessthepartiessettlementagreement,finaljudgment

ofdissolutionofmarriage,orfinaljudgmentequitablydistributingassetsor

debtsspecificallyprovidesthatcertaincreditsorsetoffsareallowedorgiven

atthe

time

of

the

sale.

In

the

absence

of

asettlement

agreement

involving

the

maritalhome,thecourtshallconsiderthefollowingfactorsbefore

determiningtheissueofcreditsorsetoffsinitsfinaljudgment:

(1) Whetherexclusiveuseandpossessionofthemaritalhomeisbeing

awarded,andthebasisfortheaward;

(2) Whetheralimonyisbeingawardedtothepartyinpossessionand

whetherthealimonyisbeingawardedtocover,inpartorotherwise,the

mortgageand

taxes

and

other

expenses

of

and

in

connection

with

the

marital

home;

(3) Whetherchildsupportisbeingawardedtothepartyinpossessionand

whetherthechildsupportisbeingawardedtocover,inpartorotherwise,the

mortgageandtaxesandotherexpensesofandinconnectionwiththemarital

home;




19/171

(4) Thevaluetothepartyinpossessionoftheuseandoccupancyofthe

maritalhome;

(5) Thevalueofthelossofuseandoccupancyofthemaritalhometothe

partyoutofpossession;

(6)

Whichparty

will

be

entitled

to

claim

the

mortgage

interest

payments,

realpropertytaxpayments,andrelatedpaymentsinconnectionwiththe

maritalhomeastaxdeductionsforfederalincometaxpurposes;

(7) Whetheroneorbothpartieswillexperienceacapitalgainstaxable

eventasaresultofthesaleofthemaritalhome;and

(8) Anyotherfactornecessarytobringaboutequityandjusticebetween

theparties.


61.079 Premaritalagreements.

(1) SHORTTITLE.ThissectionmaybecitedastheUniformPremarital

AgreementActandthissectionappliesonlytoproceedingsunderthe

FloridaFamilyLawRulesofProcedure.

(2) DEFINITIONS.Asusedinthissection,theterm:

(a) Premaritalagreementmeansanagreementbetweenprospective

spousesmadeincontemplationofmarriageandtobeeffectiveupon

marriage.

(b) Propertyincludes,butisnotlimitedto,aninterest,presentor

future,legalorequitable,vestedorcontingent,inrealorpersonalproperty,

tangibleorintangible,includingincomeandearnings,bothactiveand

passive.

(3) FORMALITIES.Apremaritalagreementmustbeinwritingand

signedbybothparties.Itisenforceablewithoutconsiderationotherthanthe

marriageitself.

(4) CONTENT.

(a) Partiestoapremaritalagreementmaycontractwithrespectto:

1. Therightsandobligationsofeachofthepartiesinanyoftheproperty

ofeitherorbothofthemwheneverandwhereveracquiredorlocated;




20/171

2. Therighttobuy,sell,use,transfer,exchange,abandon,lease,consume,

expend,assign,createasecurityinterestin,mortgage,encumber,disposeof,

orotherwisemanageandcontrolproperty;

3. Thedispositionofpropertyuponseparation,maritaldissolution,death,

orthe

occurrence

or

nonoccurrence

of

any

other

event;

4. Theestablishment,modification,waiver,oreliminationofspousal

support;

5. Themakingofawill,trust,orotherarrangementtocarryoutthe

provisionsoftheagreement;

6. Theownershiprightsinanddispositionofthedeathbenefitfromalife

insurancepolicy;

7. Thechoiceoflawgoverningtheconstructionoftheagreement;and

8. Anyothermatter,includingtheirpersonalrightsandobligations,notin

violationofeitherthepublicpolicyofthisstateoralawimposingacriminal

penalty.

(b) Therightofachildtosupportmaynotbeadverselyaffectedbya

premaritalagreement.

(5) EFFECTOFMARRIAGE.Apremaritalagreementbecomeseffective

uponmarriageoftheparties.

(6)

AMENDMENT;REVOCATION

OR

ABANDONMENT.After

marriage,apremaritalagreementmaybeamended,revoked,orabandoned

onlybyawrittenagreementsignedbytheparties.Theamendedagreement,

revocation,orabandonmentisenforceablewithoutconsideration.

(7) ENFORCEMENT.

(a) Apremaritalagreementisnotenforceableinanactionproceeding

undertheFloridaFamilyLawRulesofProcedureifthepartyagainstwhom

enforcementis

sought

proves

that:

1. Thepartydidnotexecutetheagreementvoluntarily;

2. Theagreementwastheproductoffraud,duress,coercion,or

overreaching;or

3. Theagreementwasunconscionablewhenitwasexecutedand,before

executionoftheagreement,thatparty:




21/171

a. Wasnotprovidedafairandreasonabledisclosureofthepropertyor

financialobligationsoftheotherparty;

b. Didnotvoluntarilyandexpresslywaive,inwriting,anyrightto

disclosureofthepropertyorfinancialobligationsoftheotherpartybeyond

thedisclosure

provided;

and

c. Didnothave,orreasonablycouldnothavehad,anadequate

knowledgeofthepropertyorfinancialobligationsoftheotherparty.

(b) Ifaprovisionofapremaritalagreementmodifiesoreliminates

spousalsupportandthatmodificationoreliminationcausesonepartytothe

agreementtobeeligibleforsupportunderaprogramofpublicassistanceat

thetimeofseparationormaritaldissolution,acourt,notwithstandingthe

termsoftheagreement,mayrequiretheotherpartytoprovidesupporttothe

extentnecessarytoavoidthateligibility.

(c) Anissueofunconscionabilityofapremaritalagreementshallbe

decidedbythecourtasamatteroflaw.

(8) ENFORCEMENT;VOIDMARRIAGE.Ifamarriageisdeterminedto

bevoid,anagreementthatwouldotherwisehavebeenapremarital

agreementisenforceableonlytotheextentnecessarytoavoidaninequitable

result.

(9)

LIMITATIONOF

ACTIONS.Any

statute

of

limitations

applicable

to

anactionassertingaclaimforreliefunderapremaritalagreementistolled

duringthemarriageofthepartiestotheagreement.However,equitable

defenseslimitingthetimeforenforcement,includinglachesandestoppel,are

availabletoeitherparty.

(10) APPLICATIONTOPROBATECODE.Thissectiondoesnotalter

theconstruction,interpretation,orrequiredformalitiesof,ortherightsor

obligationsunder,

agreements

between

spouses

under

s.

732.701

or

s.

732.702.

History.s.1,ch.2007171.161.08 Alimony.

(1) Inaproceedingfordissolutionofmarriage,thecourtmaygrant

alimonytoeitherparty,whichalimonymaybebridgethegap,rehabilitative,

durational,orpermanentinnatureoranycombinationoftheseformsof




22/171

alimony.Inanyawardofalimony,thecourtmayorderperiodicpaymentsor

paymentsinlumpsumorboth.Thecourtmayconsidertheadulteryofeither

spouseandthecircumstancesthereofindeterminingtheamountofalimony,

ifany,tobeawarded.Inalldissolutionactions,thecourtshallinclude

findingsof

fact

relative

to

the

factors

enumerated

in

subsection

(2)

supporting

anawardordenialofalimony.

(2) Indeterminingwhethertoawardalimonyormaintenance,thecourt

shallfirstmakeaspecificfactualdeterminationastowhethereitherpartyhas

anactualneedforalimonyormaintenanceandwhethereitherpartyhasthe

abilitytopayalimonyormaintenance.Ifthecourtfindsthatapartyhasa

needforalimonyormaintenanceandthattheotherpartyhastheabilityto

payalimonyormaintenance,thenindeterminingthepropertypeand

amountofalimonyormaintenanceundersubsections(5)(8),thecourtshall

considerallrelevantfactors,including,butnotlimitedto:

(a) Thestandardoflivingestablishedduringthemarriage.

(b) Thedurationofthemarriage.

(c) Theageandthephysicalandemotionalconditionofeachparty.

(d) Thefinancialresourcesofeachparty,includingthenonmaritaland

themaritalassetsandliabilitiesdistributedtoeach.

(e)

Theearning

capacities,

educational

levels,

vocational

skills,

and

employabilityofthepartiesand,whenapplicable,thetimenecessaryfor

eitherpartytoacquiresufficienteducationortrainingtoenablesuchpartyto

findappropriateemployment.

(f) Thecontributionofeachpartytothemarriage,including,butnot

limitedto,servicesrenderedinhomemaking,childcare,education,andcareer

buildingoftheotherparty.

(g)

Theresponsibilities

each

party

will

have

with

regard

to

any

minor

childrentheyhaveincommon.

(h) Thetaxtreatmentandconsequencestobothpartiesofanyalimony

award,includingthedesignationofalloraportionofthepaymentasa

nontaxable,nondeductiblepayment.




23/171

(i) Allsourcesofincomeavailabletoeitherparty,includingincome

availabletoeitherpartythroughinvestmentsofanyassetheldbythatparty.

(j) Anyotherfactornecessarytodoequityandjusticebetweentheparties.

(3) Totheextentnecessarytoprotectanawardofalimony,thecourtmay

orderany

party

who

is

ordered

to

pay

alimony

to

purchase

or

maintain

alife

insurancepolicyorabond,ortootherwisesecuresuchalimonyawardwith

anyotherassetswhichmaybesuitableforthatpurpose.

(4) Forpurposesofdeterminingalimony,thereisarebuttable

presumptionthatashorttermmarriageisamarriagehavingadurationof

lessthan7years,amoderatetermmarriageisamarriagehavingadurationof

greaterthan7yearsbutlessthan17years,andlongtermmarriageisa

marriagehavingadurationof17yearsorgreater.Thelengthofamarriageis

theperiodoftimefromthedateofmarriageuntilthedateoffilingofan

actionfordissolutionofmarriage.

(5) Bridgethegapalimonymaybeawardedtoassistapartybyproviding

supporttoallowthepartytomakeatransitionfrombeingmarriedtobeing

single.Bridgethegapalimonyisdesignedtoassistapartywithlegitimate

identifiableshorttermneeds,andthelengthofanawardmaynotexceed2

years.Anawardofbridgethegapalimonyterminatesuponthedeathof

eitherparty

or

upon

the

remarriage

of

the

party

receiving

alimony.

An

award

ofbridgethegapalimonyshallnotbemodifiableinamountorduration.

(6)(a) Rehabilitativealimonymaybeawardedtoassistapartyin

establishingthecapacityforselfsupportthrougheither:

1. Theredevelopmentofpreviousskillsorcredentials;or

2. Theacquisitionofeducation,training,orworkexperiencenecessaryto

developappropriateemploymentskillsorcredentials.

(b)

Inorder

to

award

rehabilitative

alimony,

there

must

be

aspecific

and

definedrehabilitativeplanwhichshallbeincludedasapartofanyorder

awardingrehabilitativealimony.

(c) Anawardofrehabilitativealimonymaybemodifiedorterminatedin

accordancewiths.61.14baseduponasubstantialchangeincircumstances,




24/171

uponnoncompliancewiththerehabilitativeplan,oruponcompletionofthe

rehabilitativeplan.

(7) Durationalalimonymaybeawardedwhenpermanentperiodic

alimonyisinappropriate.Thepurposeofdurationalalimonyistoprovidea

partywith

economic

assistance

for

aset

period

of

time

following

amarriage

ofshortormoderatedurationorfollowingamarriageoflongdurationif

thereisnoongoingneedforsupportonapermanentbasis.Anawardof

durationalalimonyterminatesuponthedeathofeitherpartyoruponthe

remarriageofthepartyreceivingalimony.Theamountofanawardof

durationalalimonymaybemodifiedorterminatedbaseduponasubstantial

changeincircumstancesinaccordancewiths.61.14.However,thelengthof

anawardofdurationalalimonymaynotbemodifiedexceptunder

exceptionalcircumstancesandmaynotexceedthelengthofthemarriage.

(8) Permanentalimonymaybeawardedtoprovidefortheneedsand

necessitiesoflifeastheywereestablishedduringthemarriageoftheparties

forapartywholacksthefinancialabilitytomeethisorherneedsand

necessitiesoflifefollowingadissolutionofmarriage.Permanentalimonymay

beawardedfollowingamarriageoflongdurationifsuchanawardis

appropriateuponconsiderationofthefactorssetforthinsubsection(2),

followingamarriage

of

moderate

duration

if

such

an

award

is

appropriate

baseduponclearandconvincingevidenceafterconsiderationofthefactors

setforthinsubsection(2),orfollowingamarriageofshortdurationifthere

arewrittenfindingsofexceptionalcircumstances.Inawardingpermanent

alimony,thecourtshallincludeafindingthatnootherformofalimonyisfair

andreasonableunderthecircumstancesoftheparties.Anawardof

permanentalimonyterminatesuponthedeathofeitherpartyoruponthe

remarriageof

the

party

receiving

alimony.

An

award

may

be

modified

or

terminatedbaseduponasubstantialchangeincircumstancesoruponthe

existenceofasupportiverelationshipinaccordancewiths.61.14.

(9) Theawardofalimonymaynotleavethepayorwithsignificantlyless

netincomethanthenetincomeoftherecipientunlesstherearewritten

findingsofexceptionalcircumstances.




25/171

(10)(a) Withrespecttoanyorderrequiringthepaymentofalimony

enteredonorafterJanuary1,1985,unlesstheprovisionsofparagraph(c)or

paragraph(d)apply,thecourtshalldirectintheorderthatthepaymentsof

alimonybemadethroughtheappropriatedepositoryasprovidedins.61.181.

(b)

Withrespect

to

any

order

requiring

the

payment

of

alimony

entered

beforeJanuary1,1985,uponthesubsequentappearance,onorafterthatdate,

ofoneorbothpartiesbeforethecourthavingjurisdictionforthepurposeof

modifyingorenforcingtheorderorinanyotherproceedingrelatedtothe

order,orupontheapplicationofeitherparty,unlesstheprovisionsof

paragraph(c)orparagraph(d)apply,thecourtshallmodifythetermsofthe

orderasnecessarytodirectthatpaymentsofalimonybemadethroughthe

appropriatedepositoryasprovidedins.61.181.

(c) Ifthereisnominorchild,alimonypaymentsneednotbedirected

throughthedepository.

(d)1. Ifthereisaminorchildofthepartiesandbothpartiessorequest,the

courtmayorderthatalimonypaymentsneednotbedirectedthroughthe

depository.Inthiscase,theorderofsupportshallprovide,orbedeemedto

provide,thateitherpartymaysubsequentlyapplytothedepositorytorequire

thatpaymentsbemadethroughthedepository.Thecourtshallprovidea

copyof

the

order

to

the

depository.

2. Iftheprovisionsofsubparagraph1.apply,eitherpartymay

subsequentlyfilewiththedepositoryanaffidavitallegingdefaultor

arrearagesinpaymentandstatingthatthepartywishestoinitiate

participationinthedepositoryprogram.Thepartyshallprovidecopiesofthe

affidavittothecourtandtheotherpartyorparties.Fifteendaysafterreceipt

oftheaffidavit,thedepositoryshallnotifyallpartiesthatfuturepayments

shallbe

directed

to

the

depository.

3. InIVDcases,theIVDagencyshallhavethesamerightsastheobligee

inrequestingthatpaymentsbemadethroughthedepository.

History.ss.7,12,Oct.31,1828;RS1484;GS1932;RGS3195;CGL4987;s.

1,ch.23894,1947;s.1,ch.63145;s.16,ch.67254;s.10,ch.71241;s.1,ch.78




26/171

339;s.1,ch.84110;s.115,ch.86220;s.2.ch.8898;s.3,ch.91246;s.1,ch.

2010199;s.79,ch.201192.1Note.Section80,ch.201192,providesthat[e]ffectiveJuly1,2011,the

amendmentstos.61.08,FloridaStatutes,madebythisactapplytoallinitial

awardsof

alimony

entered

after

July

1,

2011,

and

to

all

modifications

of

alimonyofsuchawardsmadeafterJuly1,2011.Suchamendmentsmaynot

serveasabasistomodifyawardsenteredbeforeJuly1,2011,orasabasisto

changeamountsordurationofawardsexistingbeforeJuly1,2011.The

amendmentstos.61.08,FloridaStatutes,madebythisactareapplicabletoall

casespendingonorfiledafterJuly1,2011.

Note.Formers.65.08.

61.09 Alimonyandchildsupportunconnectedwithdissolution.Ifa

personhavingtheabilitytocontributetothemaintenanceofhisorherspouse

andsupportofhisorherminorchildfailstodoso,thespousewhoisnot

receivingsupportmayapplytothecourtforalimonyandforsupportforthe

childwithoutseekingdissolutionofmarriage,andthecourtshallenteran

orderasitdeemsjustandproper.

History.ss.1,2,ch.3581,1885;RS1485;GS1933;RGS3196;CGL4988;s.

2,ch.29737,1955;s.1,ch.65498;s.16,ch.67254;s.11,ch.71241;s.116,ch.

86220;

s.

320,

ch.

95

147;

s.

4,

ch.

2008

61.

Note.Formers.65.09.

61.10 Adjudicationofobligationtosupportspouseorminorchild

unconnectedwithdissolution;parentingplan.Exceptwhenreliefis

affordedbysomeotherpendingcivilactionorproceeding,aspouseresiding

inthisstateapartfromhisorherspouseandminorchild,whetherornotsuch

separationisthroughhisorherfault,mayobtainanadjudicationofobligation

tomaintain

the

spouse

and

minor

child,

if

any.

The

court

shall

adjudicate

his

orherfinancialobligationstothespouseandchildandshallestablishthe

parentingplanfortheparties.Suchanactiondoesnotprecludeeitherparty

frommaintaininganyotherproceedingunderthischapterforotheror

additionalreliefatanytime.




27/171

History.s.1,ch.61112;s.16,ch.67254;s.12,ch.71241;s.117,ch.86220;

s.321,ch.95147;s.5,ch.200861.

Note.Formers.65.101.

61.11 Writs.

(1)

Wheneither

party

is

about

to

remove

himself

or

herself

or

his

or

her

propertyoutofthestate,orfraudulentlyconveyorconcealit,thecourtmay

awardaneexeatorinjunctionagainstthepartyorthepropertyandmake

suchordersaswillsecurealimonyorsupporttothepartywhoshould

receiveit.

(2)(a) Whenthecourtissuesawritofbodilyattachmentinconnection

withacourtorderedsupportobligation,thewritorattachmenttothewrit

mustinclude,ataminimum,suchinformationontherespondentsphysical

descriptionandlocationasisrequiredforentryofthewritintotheFlorida

CrimeInformationCentertelecommunicationssystemandauthorizationfor

theassessmentandcollectionoftheactualcostsassociatedwiththeserviceof

thewritandtransportationoftherespondentincompliancethereof.Thewrit

shalldirectthatserviceandexecutionofthewritmaybemadeonanydayof

theweekandanytimeofthedayornight.

(b) Theclerkofthecourtshallforwardacopyofthewritforservicetothe

sheriffof

the

county

in

which

the

writ

is

issued.

(c) Uponreceiptofawritfromtheclerkofthecourt,thesheriffshallenter

theinformationonanyunservedwritintotheFloridaCrimeInformation

Centertelecommunicationssystemtomaketheinformationavailabletoother

lawenforcementagencieswithinthestate.Thewritshallbeenforceableinall

countiesofthestate.

(d) Uponreceiptofthepurgepayment,thereceivingagencyshallprovide

thesubject

with

awritten

receipt

acknowledging

such

payment,

which

must

becarriedonthepersonoftherespondentforaperiodofatleast30daysfrom

thedateofpaymentasproofofsuchpayment.Asheriffreceivingsuch

paymentshallforwardthefundstothesheriffwhoenteredtheinformation

aboutthewritintotheFloridaCrimeInformationCentertelecommunications

systemandwhoshallforwardthefundstotheappropriateclerkofcourt.




28/171

(e) Afterawritismodified,purged,recalled,terminated,orotherwise

renderedineffectivebyrulingofthecourt,theclerkofthecourtshallnotify

thesheriffreceivingtheoriginalwrit.Thatagencyshallmodifyorcancelthe

entryintheFloridaCrimeInformationCentertelecommunicationssystemin

accordancewith

such

notification.

History.s.13,Oct.31,1828;RS1487;GS1935;RGS3198;CGL4990;s.16,

ch.67254;s.13,ch.71241;s.2,ch.92138;s.322,ch.95147;s.52,ch.96175;s.

1,ch.96190;s.3,ch.2001158.

Note.Formers.65.11.

61.12 Attachmentorgarnishmentofamountsdueforalimonyorchild

support.

(1) Somuchasthecourtordersofthemoneyorotherthingsduetoany

personorpublicofficer,stateorcounty,whethertheheadofafamilyresiding

inthisstateornot,whenthemoneyorotherthingisdueforthepersonal

labororserviceofthepersonorotherwise,issubjecttoattachmentor

garnishmenttoenforceandsatisfytheordersandjudgmentsofthecourtof

thisstateforalimony,suitmoney,orchildsupport,orotherordersin

proceedingsfordissolution,alimony,orchildsupport;whenthemoneyor

otherthingsoughttobeattachedorgarnisheedisthesalaryofapublic

officer,state

or

county,

the

writ

of

attachment

or

garnishment

shall

be

served

onthepublicofficerwhosedutyitistopaythesalary,whoshallobeythewrit

asprovidedbylawinothercases.Itisthedutyoftheofficertonotifythe

publicofficerwhosedutyitistoauditorissueawarrantforthesalarysought

tobeattachedimmediatelyuponserviceofthewrit.Awarrantforasmuchof

thesalaryasisorderedheldunderthewritshallnotissueexceptpursuantto

courtorderunlessthewritisdissolved.Nomoreofthesalaryshallbe

retainedby

virtue

of

the

writ

than

is

provided

for

in

the

order.

(2) Theprovisionsofchapter77oranyotherprovisionoflawtothe

contrarynotwithstanding,thecourtmayissueacontinuingwritof

garnishmenttoanemployertoenforcetheorderofthecourtforperiodic

paymentofalimonyorchildsupportorboth.Thewritmayprovidethatthe

salaryofanypersonhavingadutyofsupportpursuanttosuchorderbe




29/171

garnisheedonaperiodicandcontinuingbasisforsolongasthecourtmay

determineoruntilotherwiseorderedbythecourtoracourtofcompetent

urisdictioninafurtherproceeding.Anydisciplinaryactionagainstthe

employeebyanemployertowhomawritisissuedpursuanttothissection

solelybecause

such

writ

is

in

effect

constitutes

acontempt

of

court,

and

the

courtmayentersuchorderasitdeemsjustandproper.

History.s.1,ch.4973,1901;GS1937;s.10,ch.7838,1919;RGS3200;CGL

4992;s.16,ch.67254;s.14,ch.71241;s.1,ch.7726;s.1,ch.7863;s.2,ch.84

110;s.1,ch.84135.

Note.Formers.65.13.

61.122 Parentingplanrecommendation;presumptionofpsychologists

goodfaith;prerequisitetoparentsfilingsuit;awardoffees,costs,

reimbursement.

(1) Apsychologistwhohasbeenappointedbythecourttodevelopa

parentingplanrecommendationinadissolutionofmarriage,acaseof

domesticviolence,orapaternitymatterinvolvingtherelationshipofachild

andaparent,includingtimesharingofchildren,ispresumedtobeactingin

goodfaithifthepsychologistsrecommendationhasbeenreachedunder

standardsthatareasonablepsychologistwouldusetodevelopaparenting

planrecommendation.

(2) Anadministrativecomplaintagainstacourtappointedpsychologist

whichrelatestoaparentingplanrecommendationconductedbythe

psychologistmaynotbefiledanonymously.Theindividualwhofilesan

administrativecomplaintmustincludeinthecomplainthisorhername,

address,andtelephonenumber.

(3) Aparentwhodesirestofilealegalactionagainstacourtappointed

psychologistwho

has

acted

in

good

faith

in

developing

aparenting

plan

recommendationmustpetitionthejudgewhopresidedoverthedissolutionof

marriage,caseofdomesticviolence,orpaternitymatterinvolvingthe

relationshipofachildandaparent,includingtimesharingofchildren,to

appointanotherpsychologist.Upontheparentsshowingofgoodcause,the

courtshallappointanotherpsychologist.Thecourtshalldeterminewhois




30/171

responsibleforallcourtcostsandattorneysfeesassociatedwithmakingsuch

anappointment.

(4) Ifalegalaction,whetheritbeacivilaction,acriminalaction,oran

administrativeproceeding,isfiledagainstacourtappointedpsychologistina

dissolutionof

marriage,

case

of

domestic

violence,

or

paternity

matter

involvingtherelationshipofachildandaparent,includingtimesharingof

children,theclaimantisresponsibleforallreasonablecostsandreasonable

attorneysfeesassociatedwiththeactionforbothpartiesifthepsychologistis

heldnotliable.Ifthepsychologistisheldliableincivilcourt,thepsychologist

mustpayallreasonablecostsandreasonableattorneysfeesfortheclaimant.

History.s.1,ch.2003112;s.7,ch.200861;s.4,ch.200921.

61.125 Parentingcoordination.

(1) PURPOSE.Thepurposeofparentingcoordinationistoprovidea

childfocusedalternativedisputeresolutionprocesswherebyaparenting

coordinatorassiststheparentsincreatingorimplementingaparentingplan

byfacilitatingtheresolutionofdisputesbetweentheparentsbyproviding

education,makingrecommendations,and,withthepriorapprovalofthe

parentsandthecourt,makinglimiteddecisionswithinthescopeofthecourts

orderofreferral.

(2)

REFERRAL.Inany

action

in

which

ajudgment

or

order

has

been

soughtorenteredadopting,establishing,ormodifyingaparentingplan,

exceptforadomesticviolenceproceedingunderchapter741,andupon

agreementoftheparties,thecourtsownmotion,orthemotionofaparty,the

courtmayappointaparentingcoordinatorandreferthepartiestoparenting

coordinationtoassistintheresolutionofdisputesconcerningtheirparenting

plan.

(3)

DOMESTICVIOLENCE

ISSUES.

(a) Iftherehasbeenahistoryofdomesticviolence,thecourtmaynotrefer

thepartiestoparentingcoordinationunlessbothparentsconsent.Thecourt

shalloffereachpartyanopportunitytoconsultwithanattorneyordomestic

violenceadvocatebeforeacceptingthepartysconsent.Thecourtmust




31/171

determinewhethereachpartysconsenthasbeengivenfreelyand

voluntarily.

(b) Indeterminingwhethertherehasbeenahistoryofdomesticviolence,

thecourtshallconsiderwhetherapartyhascommittedanactofdomestic

violenceas

defined

s.

741.28,

or

child

abuse

as

defined

in

s.

39.01,

against

the

otherpartyoranymemberoftheotherpartysfamily;engagedinapatternof

behaviorsthatexertpowerandcontrolovertheotherpartyandthatmay

compromisetheotherpartysabilitytonegotiateafairresult;orengagedin

behaviorthatleadstheotherpartytohavereasonablecausetobelieveheor

sheisinimminentdangerofbecomingavictimofdomesticviolence.The

courtshallconsiderandevaluateallrelevantfactors,including,butnot

limitedto,thefactorslistedins.741.30(6)(b).

(c) Ifthereisahistoryofdomesticviolence,thecourtshallorder

safeguardstoprotectthesafetyoftheparticipants,including,butnotlimited

to,adherencetoallprovisionsofaninjunctionforprotectionorconditionsof

bail,probation,orasentencearisingfromcriminalproceedings.

(4) QUALIFICATIONSOFAPARENTINGCOORDINATOR.A

parentingcoordinatorisanimpartialthirdpersonwhoseroleistoassistthe

parentsinsuccessfullycreatingorimplementingaparentingplan.Unless

thereis

awritten

agreement

between

the

parties,

the

court

may

appoint

only

a

qualifiedparentingcoordinator.

(a) Tobequalified,aparentingcoordinatormust:

1. Meetoneofthefollowingprofessionalrequirements:

a. Belicensedasamentalhealthprofessionalunderchapter490or

chapter491.

b. Belicensedasaphysicianunderchapter458,withcertificationbythe

AmericanBoard

of

Psychiatry

and

Neurology.

c. BecertifiedbytheFloridaSupremeCourtasafamilylawmediator,

withatleastamastersdegreeinamentalhealthfield.

d. BeamemberingoodstandingofTheFloridaBar.

2. Completeallofthefollowing:

a. Threeyearsofpostlicensureorpostcertificationpractice.




32/171

b. AfamilymediationtrainingprogramcertifiedbytheFloridaSupreme

Court.

c. Aminimumof24hoursofparentingcoordinationtraininginparenting

coordinationconceptsandethics,familysystemstheoryandapplication,

familydynamics

in

separation

and

divorce,

child

and

adolescent

development,theparentingcoordinationprocess,parentingcoordination

techniques,andFloridafamilylawandprocedure,andaminimumof4hours

oftrainingindomesticviolenceandchildabusewhichisrelatedtoparenting

coordination.

(b) Thecourtmayrequireadditionalqualificationstoaddressissues

specifictotheparties.

(c) Aqualifiedparentingcoordinatormustbeingoodstanding,orinclear

andactivestatus,withhisorherrespectivelicensingauthority,certification

board,orboth,asapplicable.

(5) DISQUALIFICATIONSOFPARENTINGCOORDINATOR.

(a) Thecourtmaynotappointapersontoserveasparentingcoordinator

who,inanyjurisdiction:

1. Hasbeenconvictedorhadadjudicationwithheldonachargeofchild

abuse,childneglect,domesticviolence,parentalkidnapping,orinterference

withcustody;

2. Hasbeenfoundbyacourtinachildprotectionhearingtohaveabused,

neglected,orabandonedachild;

3. Hasconsentedtoanadjudicationorawithholdingofadjudicationona

petitionfordependency;or

4. Isorhasbeenarespondentinafinalorderorinjunctionofprotection

againstdomesticviolence.

(b)

Aparenting

coordinator

must

discontinue

service

as

aparenting

coordinatorandimmediatelyreporttothecourtandthepartiesifanyofthe

disqualifyingcircumstancesdescribedinparagraph(a)occur,orifheorshe

nolongermeetstheminimumqualificationsinsubsection(4),andthecourt

mayappointanotherparentingcoordinator.




33/171

(6) FEESFORPARENTINGCOORDINATION.Thecourtshall

determinetheallocationoffeesandcostsforparentingcoordinationbetween

theparties.Thecourtmaynotorderthepartiestoparentingcoordination

withouttheirconsentunlessitdeterminesthatthepartieshavethefinancial

abilityto

pay

the

parenting

coordination

fees

and

costs.

(a) Indeterminingifanonindigentpartyhasthefinancialabilitytopay

theparentingcoordinationfeesandcosts,thecourtshallconsiderthepartys

financialcircumstances,includingincome,assets,liabilities,financial

obligations,resources,andwhetherpayingthefeesandcostswouldcreatea

substantialhardship.

(b) Ifapartyisfoundtobeindigentbaseduponthefactorsins.57.082,

thecourtmaynotorderthepartytoparentingcoordinationunlesspublic

fundsareavailabletopaytheindigentpartysallocatedportionofthefees

andcostsorthenonindigentpartyconsentstopayingallofthefeesandcosts.

(7) CONFIDENTIALITY.Exceptasotherwiseprovidedinthissection,

allcommunicationsmadeby,between,oramongthepartiesandthe

parentingcoordinatorduringparentingcoordinationsessionsare

confidential.Theparentingcoordinatorandeachpartydesignatedinthe

orderappointingthecoordinatormaynottestifyorofferevidenceabout

communicationsmade

by,

between,

or

among

the

parties

and

the

parenting

coordinatorduringparentingcoordinationsessions,exceptif:

(a) Necessarytoidentify,authenticate,confirm,ordenyawritten

agreemententeredintobythepartiesduringparentingcoordination;

(b) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarytoidentifyanissuefor

resolutionbythecourtwithoutotherwisedisclosingcommunicationsmade

byanypartyortheparentingcoordinator;

(c)

Thetestimony

or

evidence

is

limited

to

the

subject

of

apartys

compliancewiththeorderofreferraltoparentingcoordination,ordersfor

psychologicalevaluation,counselingorderedbythecourtorrecommended

byahealthcareprovider,orforsubstanceabusetestingortreatment;

(d) Theparentingcoordinatorreportsthatthecaseisnolonger

appropriateforparentingcoordination;




34/171

(e) Theparentingcoordinatorisreportingthatheorsheisunableor

unwillingtocontinuetoserveandthatasuccessorparentingcoordinator

shouldbeappointed;

(f) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarypursuanttoparagraph(5)(b)or

subsection(8);

(g) Theparentingcoordinatorisnotqualifiedtoaddressorresolvecertain

issuesinthecaseandamorequalifiedcoordinatorshouldbeappointed;

(h) Thepartiesagreethatthetestimonyorevidencebepermitted;or

(i) Thetestimonyorevidenceisnecessarytoprotectanypersonfrom

futureactsthatwouldconstitutedomesticviolenceunderchapter741;child

abuse,neglect,orabandonmentunderchapter39;orabuse,neglect,or

exploitationofanelderlyordisabledadultunderchapter825.

(8) REPORTOFEMERGENCYTOCOURT.

(a) Aparentingcoordinatormustimmediatelyinformthecourtby

affidavitorverifiedreportwithoutnoticetothepartiesofanemergency

situationif:

1. Thereisareasonablecausetosuspectthatachildwillsufferoris

sufferingabuse,neglect,orabandonmentasprovidedunderchapter39;

2. Thereisareasonablecausetosuspectavulnerableadulthasbeenoris

beingabused,

neglected,

or

exploited

as

provided

under

chapter

415;

3. Aparty,orsomeoneactingonapartysbehalf,isexpectedto

wrongfullyremoveoriswrongfullyremovingthechildfromthejurisdiction

ofthecourtwithoutpriorcourtapprovalorcompliancewiththe

requirementsofs.61.13001.Iftheparentingcoordinatorsuspectsthatthe

parenthasrelocatedwithinthestatetoavoiddomesticviolence,the

coordinatormaynotdisclosethelocationoftheparentandchildunless

requiredby

court

order.

(b) Uponsuchinformationandbelief,aparentingcoordinatorshall

immediatelyinformthecourtbyaffidavitorverifiedreportandserveacopy

oneachpartyofanemergencyinwhichapartyobtainsafinalorderor

injunctionofprotectionagainstdomesticviolenceorisarrestedforanactof

domesticviolenceasprovidedunderchapter741.




35/171

(9) LIMITATIONONLIABILITY.Aparentingcoordinatorappointedby

thecourtisnotliableforcivildamagesforanyactoromissioninthescopeof

hisorherdutiespursuanttoanorderofreferralunlesssuchpersonactedin

badfaithorwithmaliciouspurposeorinamannerexhibitingwantonand

willfuldisregard

for

the

rights,

safety,

or

property

of

the

parties.


61.13 Supportofchildren;parentingandtimesharing;powersofcourt.

(1)(a) Inaproceedingunderthischapter,thecourtmayatanytimeorder

eitherorbothparentswhooweadutyofsupporttoachildtopaysupportto

theotherparentor,inthecaseofbothparents,toathirdpartywhohas

custodyinaccordancewiththechildsupportguidelinesscheduleins.61.30.

1. Allchildsupportordersandincomedeductionordersenteredonor

afterOctober1,2010,mustprovide:

a. Forchildsupporttoterminateonachilds18thbirthdayunlessthe

courtfindsorpreviouslyfoundthats.743.07(2)applies,orisotherwise

agreedtobytheparties;

b. Aschedule,basedontherecordexistingatthetimeoftheorder,stating

theamountofthemonthlychildsupportobligationforalltheminorchildren

atthetimeoftheorderandtheamountofchildsupportthatwillbeowedfor

anyremaining

children

after

one

or

more

of

the

children

are

no

longer

entitledtoreceivechildsupport;and

c. Themonth,day,andyearthatthereductionorterminationofchild

supportbecomeseffective.

2. Thecourtinitiallyenteringanorderrequiringoneorbothparentsto

makechildsupportpaymentshascontinuingjurisdictionaftertheentryofthe

initialordertomodifytheamountandtermsandconditionsofthechild

supportpayments

if

the

modification

is

found

by

the

court

to

be

in

the

best

interestsofthechild;whenthechildreachesmajority;ifthereisasubstantial

changeinthecircumstancesoftheparties;ifs.743.07(2)applies;orwhena

childisemancipated,marries,joinsthearmedservices,ordies.Thecourt

initiallyenteringachildsupportorderhascontinuingjurisdictiontorequire




36/171

theobligeetoreporttothecourtontermsprescribedbythecourtregarding

thedispositionofthechildsupportpayments.

(b) Eachorderforsupportshallcontainaprovisionforhealthinsurance

fortheminorchildwhenhealthinsuranceisreasonableincostandaccessible

tothe

child.

Health

insurance

is

presumed

to

be

reasonable

in

cost

if

the

incrementalcostofaddinghealthinsuranceforthechildorchildrendoesnot

exceed5percentofthegrossincome,asdefinedins.61.30,oftheparent

responsibleforprovidinghealthinsurance.Healthinsuranceisaccessibleto

thechildifthehealthinsuranceisavailabletobeusedinthecountyofthe

childsprimaryresidenceorinanothercountyiftheparentwhohasthemost

timeunderthetimesharingplanagrees.Ifthetimesharingplanprovidesfor

equaltimesharing,healthinsuranceisaccessibletothechildifthehealth

insuranceisavailabletobeusedineithercountywherethechildresidesorin

anothercountyifbothparentsagree.Thecourtmayrequiretheobligorto

providehealthinsuranceortoreimbursetheobligeeforthecostofhealth

insurancefortheminorchildwheninsuranceisprovidedbytheobligee.The

presumptionofreasonablecostmayberebuttedbyevidenceofanyofthe

factorsins.61.30(11)(a).Thecourtmaydeviatefromwhatispresumed

reasonableincostonlyuponawrittenfindingexplainingitsdetermination

whyordering

or

not

ordering

the

provision

of

health

insurance

or

the

reimbursementoftheobligeescostforprovidinghealthinsuranceforthe

minorchildwouldbeunjustorinappropriate.Inanyevent,thecourtshall

apportionthecostofhealthinsurance,andanynoncoveredmedical,dental,

andprescriptionmedicationexpensesofthechild,tobothpartiesbyadding

thecosttothebasicobligationdeterminedpursuanttos.61.30(6).Thecourt

mayorderthatpaymentofnoncoveredmedical,dental,andprescription

medicationexpenses

of

the

minor

child

be

made

directly

to

the

obligee

on

a

percentagebasis.Inaproceedingformedicalsupportonly,eachparents

shareofthechildsnoncoveredmedicalexpensesshallequaltheparents

percentageshareofthecombinednetincomeoftheparents.Thepercentage

shareshallbecalculatedbydividingeachparentsnetmonthlyincomebythe




37/171

combinedmonthlynetincomeofbothparents.Netincomeiscalculatedas

specifiedbys.61.30(3)and(4).

1. InanonTitleIVDcase,acopyofthecourtorderforhealthinsurance

shallbeservedontheobligorsunionoremployerbytheobligeewhenthe

followingconditions

are

met:

a. Theobligorfailstoprovidewrittenprooftotheobligeewithin30days

afterreceivingeffectivenoticeofthecourtorderthatthehealthinsurancehas

beenobtainedorthatapplicationforhealthinsurancehasbeenmade;

b. Theobligeeserveswrittennoticeofintenttoenforceanorderforhealth

insuranceontheobligorbymailattheobligorslastknownaddress;and

c. Theobligorfailswithin15daysafterthemailingofthenoticeto

providewrittenprooftotheobligeethatthehealthinsuranceexistedasofthe

dateofmailing.

2.a. AsupportorderenforcedunderTitleIVDoftheSocialSecurityAct

whichrequiresthattheobligorprovidehealthinsuranceisenforceablebythe

departmentthroughtheuseofthenationalmedicalsupportnotice,andan

amendmenttothesupportorderisnotrequired.Thedepartmentshall

transferthenationalmedicalsupportnoticetotheobligorsunionor

employer.Thedepartmentshallnotifytheobligorinwritingthatthenotice

hasbeen

sent

to

the

obligors

union

or

employer,

and

the

written

notification

mustincludetheobligorsrightsanddutiesunderthenationalmedical

supportnotice.Theobligormaycontestthewithholdingrequiredbythe

nationalmedicalsupportnoticebasedonamistakeoffact.Tocontestthe

withholding,theobligormustfileawrittennoticeofcontestwiththe

departmentwithin15businessdaysafterthedatetheobligorreceiveswritten

notificationofthenationalmedicalsupportnoticefromthedepartment.Filing

withthe

department

is

complete

when

the

notice

is

received

by

the

person

designatedbythedepartmentinthewrittennotification.Thenoticeofcontest

mustbeintheformprescribedbythedepartment.Uponthetimelyfilingofa

noticeofcontest,thedepartmentshall,within5businessdays,schedulean

informalconferencewiththeobligortodiscusstheobligorsfactualdispute.If

theinformalconferenceresolvesthedisputetotheobligorssatisfactionorif




38/171

theobligorfailstoattendtheinformalconference,thenoticeofcontestis

deemedwithdrawn.Iftheinformalconferencedoesnotresolvethedispute,

theobligormayrequestanadministrativehearingunderchapter120within5

businessdaysaftertheterminationoftheinformalconference,inaformand

mannerprescribed

by

the

department.

However,

the

filing

of

anotice

of

contestbytheobligordoesnotdelaythewithholdingofpremiumpayments

bytheunion,employer,orhealthplanadministrator.Theunion,employer,or

healthplanadministratormustimplementthewithholdingasdirectedbythe

nationalmedicalsupportnoticeunlessnotifiedbythedepartmentthatthe

nationalmedicalsupportnoticeisterminated.

b. InaTitleIVDcase,thedepartmentshallnotifyanobligorsunionor

employeriftheobligationtoprovidehealthinsurancethroughthatunionor

employeristerminated.

3. InanonTitleIVDcase,uponreceiptoftheorderpursuantto

subparagraph1.,oruponapplicationoftheobligorpursuanttotheorder,the

unionoremployershallenrolltheminorchildasabeneficiaryinthegroup

healthplanregardlessofanyrestrictionsontheenrollmentperiodand

withholdanyrequiredpremiumfromtheobligorsincome.Ifmorethanone

planisofferedbytheunionoremployer,thechildshallbeenrolledinthe

grouphealth

plan

in

which

the

obligor

is

enrolled.

4.a. Uponreceiptofthenationalmedicalsupportnoticeunder

subparagraph2.inaTitleIVDcase,theunionoremployershalltransferthe

noticetotheappropriategrouphealthplanadministratorwithin20business

daysafterthedateonthenotice.Theplanadministratormustenrollthechild

asabeneficiaryinthegrouphealthplanregardlessofanyrestrictionsonthe

enrollmentperiod,andtheunionoremployermustwithholdanyrequired

premiumfrom

the

obligors

income

upon

notification

by

the

plan

administratorthatthechildisenrolled.Thechildshallbeenrolledinthe

grouphealthplaninwhichtheobligorisenrolled.Ifthegrouphealthplanin

whichtheobligorisenrolledisnotavailablewherethechildresidesorifthe

obligorisnotenrolledingroupcoverage,thechildshallbeenrolledinthe

lowestcostgrouphealthplanthatisaccessibletothechild.




39/171

b. IfhealthinsuranceortheobligorsemploymentisterminatedinaTitle

IVDcase,theunionoremployerthatiswithholdingpremiumsforhealth

insuranceunderanationalmedicalsupportnoticemustnotifythe

departmentwithin20daysaftertheterminationandprovidetheobligorslast

knownaddress

and

the

name

and

address

of

the

obligors

new

employer,

if

known.

5.a. Theamountwithheldbyaunionoremployerincompliancewitha

supportordermaynotexceedtheamountallowedunders.303(b)ofthe

ConsumerCreditProtectionAct,15U.S.C.s.1673(b),asamended.Theunion

oremployershallwithholdthemaximumallowedbytheConsumerCredit

ProtectionActinthefollowingorder:

(I) Currentsupport,asordered.

(II) Premiumpaymentsforhealthinsurance,asordered.

(III) Pastduesupport,asordered.

(IV) Othermedicalsupportorinsurance,asordered.

b. Ifthecombinedamounttobewithheldforcurrentsupportplusthe

premiumpaymentforhealthinsuranceexceedtheamountallowedunderthe

ConsumerCreditProtectionAct,andthehealthinsurancecannotbeobtained

unlessthefullamountofthepremiumispaid,theunionoremployermaynot

withholdthe

premium

payment.

However,

the

union

or

employer

shall

withholdthemaximumallowedinthefollowingorder:

(I) Currentsupport,asordered.

(II) Pastduesupport,asordered.

(III) Othermedicalsupportorinsurance,asordered.

6. Anemployer,union,orplanadministratorwhodoesnotcomplywith

therequirementsinsubsubparagraph4.a.issubjecttoacivilpenaltynotto

exceed$250

for

the

first

violation

and

$500

for

subsequent

violations,

plus

attorneysfeesandcosts.Thedepartmentmayfileapetitionincircuitcourtto

enforcetherequirementsofthissubparagraph.

7. Thedepartmentmayadoptrulestoadministerthechildsupport

enforcementprovisionsofthissectionthataffectTitleIVDcases.




40/171

(c) Totheextentnecessarytoprotectanawardofchildsupport,thecourt

mayordertheobligortopurchaseormaintainalifeinsurancepolicyora

bond,ortootherwisesecurethechildsupportawardwithanyotherassets

whichmaybesuitableforthatpurpose.

(d)1.

Allchild

support

orders

shall

provide

the

full

name

and

date

of

birth

ofeachminorchildwhoisthesubjectofthechildsupportorder.

2. Ifbothpartiesrequestandthecourtfindsthatitisinthebestinterestof

thechild,supportpaymentsneednotbesubjecttoimmediateincome

deduction.Supportordersthatarenotsubjecttoimmediateincomededuction

maybedirectedthroughthedepositoryunders.61.181ormadepayable

directlytotheobligee.Paymentsmadebyimmediateincomedeductionshall

bemadetotheStateDisbursementUnit.Thecourtshallprovideacopyofthe

ordertothedepository.

3. Forsupportorderspay

fl statutes ch 61

Documents