FL H1559

Courts must prioritize bridge-the-gap and rehabilitative alimony over permanent alimony, which can only be awarded by agreement; requires written findings when awarding multiple forms of alimony.

Restricts alimony eligibility: parties with full retirement age cannot be ordered to pay alimony (with limited exceptions), and alimony cannot be awarded to parties with equal or greater monthly net income than the other spouse.

Limits rehabilitative alimony duration to 5 years and durational alimony to 50-75% of marriage length; prohibits modification of durational alimony length except under exceptional circumstances.

Creates presumption that equal time-sharing of minor children is in the best interests of the child; restricts modification of parenting plans to cases showing substantial, material, and unanticipated changes.

Provides that an obligor's subsequent remarriage or cohabitation cannot be basis for alimony modification; allows alimony to terminate when obligor reaches full retirement age; effective July 1, 2021.