HB 5509 Summary

• Establishes alimony duration limit of one-half the length of the marriage for awards ordered on or after October 1, 2012, with exceptions allowed upon written findings of deviation.

• Caps alimony amount at 30-35 percent of the difference between parties' gross income, excluding capital gains from divided assets and income already considered in child support calculations.

• Allows modification of pre-October 1, 2012 alimony awards exceeding durational limits without requiring proof of substantial change in circumstances.

• Defines grounds for alimony modification to include cohabitation for three or more continuous months and terminates alimony upon recipient's remarriage, either party's death, or payer's attainment of full retirement age.

• Authorizes family courts to establish trust accounts for child support with portions of support orders deposited for the child's maintenance under court-determined terms.